Jessica Leigh Metzger

1978 - 2021

Jessica Leigh Metzger

Age 42, of New Philadelphia finished her final race Thursday, June 17, 2021, following a more than two-year journey with breast cancer. Born in Dover, Ohio on September 27, 1978. Jessica is a daughter of Debra A. Metzger of New Philadelphia and Bruce Metzger of Bolivar. Jessica was a graduate of Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School at New Philadelphia. She obtained her Bachelor of Communication from the University of Central Florida and later obtained her teaching certification in Primary and Middle Grades English from Seminole State College. Jess was a warrior in every sense of the word. An avid runner, kindergarten teacher, daughter, sister and beloved friend, Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer two days before her 40th Birthday. Her blog writings share a great deal about her personal journey and serve as an inspiration to anyone who has ever experienced a valley in their lifetime. She "chose love not fear" and learned that self-love along the way was the best medicine to get her through her own race with cancer. In fact, Jess set her own pace in her race. In August of 2019 after going through her treatments, Jess signed up to run a half-marathon, DONNA (Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer) and ran that race as a Survivor of Breast Cancer. She used her diagnosis as an opportunity to radiate, and be a light to others. It helped her to discover a new grown confidence in herself and bring about a much clearer perspective on life in general. She had a great love for a good cup of coffee and outings with those she loved, watching football, tutoring and baking; but also enjoyed the relaxing moments while watching Dexter, The Office, The Crown and Friends. It was John Mayer, David Gray, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews who got her through the highs and lows of this race we all call life. Jess' diagnosis wasn't about being alone but getting through the battle. She surrounded herself with friends and family and challenged herself to climb each hill, walk those valleys, and allowed herself to get roughed up along the way. She was an avid supporter of not only the DONNA but also the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Run for Home.

Her beautiful soul will long be remembered by her parents; her sister, Stephanie Metzger; her brother, CJ (Erika) Metzger of New Philadelphia, her niece and nephew, Elanor and Ethan Metzger; her "Florida Parents" James and Christine Long; her aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Warner, Mrs. Rita Metzger, Mr. Harry Metzger.

The family will greet guests on Monday, June 21, 2021, from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover and a Christian Wake service will be conducted at 7:50 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by her uncle, Fr. William A. Metzger on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Memorial contributions in Jessica's name may be directed to the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Run for Home, 213 Lloyd Street, Dover, Ohio 44622, Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44633 or to the Donna Foundation, 11762 Marco Beach Drive, Suite 6 Jacksonville, FL 32224. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Jessica by visiting the funeral home's website at www.GeibCares.com.