**In Loving Memory of Jessica Kay Herring**

Jessica (Stine) Herring, a beloved daughter, sister, friend, dedicated nurse, and a proud Army veteran, passed away on September 28th, 2023, at the age of 43. She unexpectedly left this world far too soon, but her impact on those who were fortunate enough to know her, will last a lifetime.

Born on June 26th, 1980 in Danville, PA, Jessica was a strong and radiant light from the very beginning. She was raised in various locations around the country alongside her brother Kyle with love and care from her mother, Donna Kay and stepfather Jim Taylor. Beginning what would be a long list of different places to call home, her adventures and memories began in Danville, PA, Muscle Shoals, AL, and Spokane, WA. Each location left a lasting impression on her and seasoned her life with experiences she would never forget.

From an early age, it was evident that Jessica possessed a unique spirit, one that radiated warmth, kindness, loyalty, and an unwavering passion for life to which she spread with everyone she met and everywhere she landed.

Jessica attended University High School in Spokane, WA graduating in 1998 while dually enrolled at Community College of Spokane in the culinary arts program.  This passion for cooking extended further into her life, as she made the decision to join the US Army on June 22, 1998.  Her enthusiasm to join the Army drove her to enlist using the Delayed Entry Program embodying her spirit to get things done and make it happen.  She was given the choice to become a 92G (a cook) and she jumped at the opportunity, utilizing the skills she learned in the culinary arts program.  Jessica's time in the Army allowed her to season the life of so many others.  Assignments and deployments took her many places from Germany to Kosovo ultimately finding herself at Fort Sill in Lawton Oklahoma. Her journey in the Army came to an end on January 1,2004, but made an impact on her that lasted her lifetime.

Once in Oklahoma and exiting the Army, Jessica's journey took her to college for Physical Therapy, developing the foundation and friendships that led her into Nursing school, where she excelled academically and formed lifelong friendships. She was not only a diligent student, but also a compassionate and empathetic friend to those around her.

After completing her education, Jessica pursued her career in Nursing, a field she was deeply passionate about. Her dedication to caring for others was evident in her every action, and her patients were not just recipients of her medical expertise, but also the recipients of her boundless compassion and support. Her laughter was infectious, and her ability to uplift the spirits of others was truly remarkable.  Jessica's career in nursing was a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.  Jessica worked in many places starting in Stevens County transitioning to working as a traveling nurse, reaching even more people across the country, and finally where she was currently working, Comanche County, in the PACU at Comanche Co Memorial Hospital.

Jessica was not only an exceptional nurse, sister, daughter, and friend, she was also a devoted wife to the man she wanted to share the rest of her life with, Gregory Herring. Jessica was a loving "newlywed" to Gregory and had only recently become an amazing mother to her daughter, Ayla Kay. Her dream of motherhood had come true as she gave her all to Ayla alongside Gregory. Watching her little girl grow up over the past three years was something she held tightly to her heart. Her family meant the world to her, she cherished every moment spent with them, and would go to the end of the world for them.

Throughout her life, Jessica was always trying new things creating new interests and hobbies in her life. Whether she was sewing one of the countless blankets for friends' and families' children, a costume for a steam punk event, or creating some pastry for Ayla's birthday, her talent to take on new complicated hobbies and make them look easy was incorrigible.

In times of joy and in moments of adversity, Jessica's unwavering spirit shone brightly. She faced life's challenges with grace and resilience, inspiring those around her with her courage. Her determination to overcome obstacles was a testament to her strength of character.  While Jessica's passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, her memory will live on through the stories we share and the lessons she imparted. She reminds us to embrace life fully, to love without reservation, and to cherish every moment with those we hold dear.

Jessica Herring's radiant smile, her dedication as a nurse, her service to the Army, and her indomitable spirit will forever be etched in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace, knowing that she brought love, joy, and inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

Jessica is survived by her loving family, including her husband, Gregory Herring, her daughter, Ayla Herring, her mother, Donna Shultz (Stanford), her father, Robert Stine (Debra), and her brother, Kyle Stine (Marissa, sweet niece Piper). She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her journey, but she will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Jessica's life will be held on October 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 at the McMahon Centennial Complex - McCasland Ballroom.   McMahon Centennial Complex (2nd Floor) Cameron University, 2800 W. Gore Boulevard, Lawton, OK 73505.

The service may be viewed by following the livestream link at www.beckerfuneral.com or by visiting the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Facebook page.

"To help support Greg and Ayla in these terrible times you can donate @  https://gofund.me/ff0553c0"

**"Life is a beautiful journey, and Jessica's light will continue to guide us along the way."**