Jessica Marie Banning, 25, of Toms River NJ, passed away Sunday at her home in Greenville, NC. Born in Trenton, Jessica recently moved to Greenville, NC to attend East Carolina University. She earned her Associates Degree in Biology from Ocean County College and was currently studying to become a teacher of sciences. An animal rescuer, Jessica had a great love of animals and nature. She had a witty, creative, caring personality and was loved by everyone that knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Jessica is survived by her mother, Katherine Banning; her father, David Howarth; her stepfather, Dr. Michael Kachmar; her stepmother, Marjo Rae; was predeceased by her grandparents, Barbara and Burton Banning and Margaret and Ellwood Howarth. She is also survived by her step grandparents, Jean and George Kachmar; her step grandmother, Bobbie Banning; and also by two stepbrothers, Travis and Dennis Rae; a stepsister, Melissa Rae; and many aunts, uncles and cousins and her many beloved pets.

Funeral service will be held 6pm Saturday March 29th at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown, NJ. Cremation will be private. Friends may call Saturday 3-6pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Jessica's name to the Popcorn Park Zoo, Humane Way at Lacey Road at 609-693-1900.