BAYJI, Iraq - U.S. Army Pfc. Jennifer Lynn Cole was serving her country, making a difference in the lives of people home and abroad. It cost her her life.

Jennifer, 34, died Aug. 2, 2008, in Bayji, Iraq, from a gunshot wound suffered in a non-combat incident.

Jennifer was born Feb. 22, 1974, in Vallejo. After attending elementary school in Vallejo, she and her family moved to American Canyon in 1985. Jennifer attended Silverado Middle School and Vintage High School, graduating in 1992. She later moved to Napa.

She had a passion for race cars and flowers.

While growing up, Jennifer was a familiar face at the race car track. She and her step-father, former American Canyon Mayor Rick Mahanay, followed the race car circuits at Sears Point, Monterey, Oregon and Canada. She loved being part of a pit crew, like most little girls looking forward to working side by side with a grown-up she loved.

Jennifer also loved to sing. She started carrying a tune at the age of 3. She loved to perform for anyone who was willing to listen.

Those who know Jennifer will not remember her for being shy and withdrawn.

While in high school, Jennifer studied German, earning her the opportunity to live in Germany for a semester as an exchange student.

After graduation Jennifer worked a short while for UPS, before joining her mother in the family floral business. Flowers were her passion. When her mother sold her floral shop, Jennifer saw this as the opportunity to serve her country.

She enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2007. Jennifer did her boot camp training at Fort Jackson, S.C. After her graduation from boot camp, which was attended by her mother, Jennifer was assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky. She was deployed to Iraq in March. While serving in Iraq, Jennifer drove Army transport vehicles, transporting supplies and troops.

Jennifer was assigned to E Company, 426th Forward Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. During her military career, Jennifer was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon and Weapons Qualification.

She loved the Iraqi people and truly believed they cared for the American troops who were there to make a better life for them.

Jennifer is survived by her mother, Candace Gholson of Napa; father, James Cole Jr. of Maryland; beloved step-father, Rick Mahanay of Oregon; brothers James M. Cole III of Vallejo and Jeffrey Cole of Vallejo; Joey Cole of Maryland; nieces, Niveah Cole and Vanessa Cole, both of Vallejo; aunts, Sharon Beam and Sandra Hofmeister, both of Maryland.

She was predeceased by her step-father, Philip Gholson, who passed away in Napa on June 4, 2008.

Visitation will be today, Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., at Treadway & Wigger Funeral Chapel, 623 Coombs St., in Napa. A military funeral will be held Monday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m., at Cornerstone Ministries, 3305 Linda Vista Ave., Napa.

Burial will follow at Tulocay Cemetery, 411 Coombsville Road, in Napa.

The family encourages contributions be made to the USO by calling 1-800-876-7469.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.treadwayandwiggerfuneralchapel.com.