Jackie & Jaden Perkins, Nautica Carrasco

It is with great grief and tremendous pain that we announce the passing of our beloved twin boys, Jackie and Jaden Jurado Perkins, 18, of Odessa, Texas, and their precious younger sister, Nautica Carrasco, 16, of Odessa, Texas, after a devastating car accident on November 20, 2024.

 Born on November 13, 2006, to Heather Dawn Perkins, Jackie Lee Jurado Perkins and Jaden Lewis Jurado Perkins were born into a large and tight-knit family that immediately and warmly welcomed them with open arms. Instantly, they became “the boys” to everybody, but it quickly became apparent that they would become and forever stay “Papa’s boys.” Jackie and Jaden were talented, multi-sport athletes playing tennis, boxing, and basketball. It would be on the gridiron, however, where Jackie and Jaden would make their biggest impact week after week as numbers 1 and 2, respectively, for the Buena Vista Longhorns. Our boys were becoming fine young men before our eyes before being taken from us far too soon, and while we continue to struggle in understanding how and why something like this can happen, we find peace in knowing they are with their Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven.

 Jackie and Jaden loved and were loved by so many, from countless friends and family, to their beloved nephew, little Jake. Wrapped around his finger from day one, it was not unusual to find Jackie and Jaden hanging out at their oldest sister, Chasidy’s, house playing video games or just watching TV with him. Family and friends were everything to them, and they were everything to so many. They came into this world together, so it shouldn’t be entirely surprising that they left together as well; undoubtedly, neither would have it any other way.

 Their younger sister, Nautica Rene Carrasco, was born to Heather Dawn Perkins and Eric Daniel Carrasco on November 17, 2008. Our beautiful “Nauti” was so full of life and love, her vibrant personality bringing light and warmth to anyone who knew her. Perhaps the only things brighter than her personality were her beautiful eyes and infectious smile, which made anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know her to immediately feel embraced. Also a talented, multi-sport athlete, Nautica played basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and was a cheerleader for the Buena Vista Longhorns. 

 A lover of ALL food and the holiday season, Tia Nautica - like her older brothers - had fewer greater loves than her nephew, little Jake. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and, having just turned 16 years old three days prior to the accident, was looking forward to a girls’ day out with her mom and sisters this weekend. The time for that girls’ day out will be put on hold for now; we can rest assured knowing that Nauti is making sure she and her brothers are making their way to their eternal home.

 A fiercely protective mom to all of her kids, Heather is heartbroken to have lost three of her seven children. Having served her community for over two decades in law enforcement, the overwhelming support of that same community - perfect strangers in many cases - has brought her strength that she truly needs and feels during this time. She and the rest of the family would like to let you know that we feel it, appreciate it beyond words, and love you all. 

 It has been said that “grief is the price we pay for love.” All who knew these kids felt their love so deeply and sincerely. Whether you came into their lives recently, or have known them the entirety of theirs, the cost certainly feels heavy today. But, it is a price we would have been willing to pay a million times over just to have more time with them and do it all over again. Now left with cherished memories and hearts overflowing with love, it is a safe bet to believe that Jackie, Jaden, and Nautica - before even making it to those pearly gates - heard their sweet cousin, Azaria, calling out their names before all being embraced by our dear loved ones who made it to Heaven first. We love you all, and look forward to catching up on the other side.

 Pallbearers for Jackie include Angel Rodriguez, Kiara Corona, Brian Mecham, Aden Lopez, Tristian Collins, and Layne Perkins. Pallbearers for Jaden include Elijah Carrasco, Alysa Garcia, Corey McCoy, Brandon Mecham, Matthew Garza, and Kayden Valdez. Pallbearers for Nautica include Chasidy Rodriguez, Aleah Carrasco, Marissa Marin, Shawn Perkins, Vick Garza, Shawn Perkins Jr., Jobey Jurado, and Lacin Carrasco. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Perkins, Martin Baldwin, and Salvador Rodriguez.

 A viewing will be held on Friday, November 29th, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church Odessa on Saturday, November 30th, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Pastor Brad Smith from Calvary Assembly of God from Midland, TX will be officiating.