Jessica Theresa White of Carbondale

Jessica Theresa White, 68, originally from New York, passed away at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with her family at her side.

Jessica was born Nov. 26, 1949, to Thomas John and Martha Erma (Tarbox) White in Flushing, N.Y. She grew up in New Jersey and demonstrated an affinity for music at an early age, studying percussion at Newton High School, which led to a bachelor of music degree from Juilliard School of Music. Music was a life-long passion for Jessica, as was flying, riding on her Harley Davidson and taking care of her two beloved cat babies, Biscuit and Star. Anyone who was lucky enough to have known her agrees that she was a unique, one-of-a-kind individual, and loved by many. Jessica enjoyed science fiction movies and books such as epic high fantasy novels: "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King." As J.R.R. Tolkien said, "Home is behind, the world ahead, and there are many paths to tread through shadows to the edge of night, until the stars are all alight." Jessica definitely made this world brighter by sharing her artistic talents with the world and the people she touched. She lived with no regrets, and as one of her favorite main characters from "Lord of the Rings," Gandalf the wizard, would say, "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Jessica used her life-time productively acquiring many skills. In addition to nurturing her musical talents, she became a very astute problem solver, demonstrating advanced mathematical ability in being able to design computer programs for the pharmaceutical industry. She worked for Merck Pharmaceutical in New Jersey until her retirement.

Jessica is survived by her brother, Gregory (Patti Hendricks) White; a nephew, Eric White; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A public visitation for Jessica will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. A gravesite interment service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park in Murphysboro.

Jessica loved animals, so the preferred form of remembrance in her honor is memorial donations to St. Francis Care Animal Shelter in Murphysboro. They will be accepted at the funeral home and at the grave site.

To share a story or memory of Jessica, visit meredithfh.com.