Jessica Cecile Hoard was born March 11, 1974 to Darral and Andrea (Brown) Hoard. Her "Mamaw" Hoard always commented on her big, beautiful brown eyes. She adored her daddy but lost him shortly before her 6th birthday. Jess attended Christ Methodist Day School, White Station Junior and Senior High School, and Overton High School. She found her love of theater at an early age. Jess also developed a skilled writing ability and received a bachelor and master degree in creative non-fiction. She studied playwriting at The New School in New York City and acting at The Conservatory at Act One Studios, Chicago. She spent a summer studying at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. She and her mom traveled many places across the U.S., as well as England, Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, France, and Germany. Her favorite memories were made in Chicago where she has a leading role in "Mud Season" at the Act One Studios Conservatory. In recent years she worked from home as a freelance writer, editor, proofreader, writing coach, and photographer. Her family, friends, and pets will miss her deeply.