Heather Jackson Little of Englewood, Fla., returned to her trusted savior Thursday May 26, 2022. Gone too soon at age 55, Heather’s life ended amongst family with great peace in Bavaria, Germany, where she had been receiving treatment for cancer.
Jim and Celia Jackson’s eldest daughter, Heather, or “Haha”, as she was lovingly known by many of her family, enjoyed life to the fullest, had an abundance of affection to share, infectious charisma, and a purposeful approach to her life.
Heather grew up in Bluffton. Following her graduation from Bluffton High School (’84), she earned a marketing degree from Miami University, where she served as president of Delta Gamma.
Heather enjoyed her professional career, which took her to companies such as Kodak, and IBM, where she met her husband and love of her life, Rob Little of Edina, Minn. Heather and Rob’s love was certainly the warmest thing the frigid summer day they said their vows in 1992 on the shores of Lake Wawasee.
Their family was blessed with three daughters, Mckenna, Claire, and CeCe, all currently in their 20s. Heather’s endless love and selfless devotion to her daughters saw them develop into beautiful and strong young women who excelled in dancing, sports, academics, art, and music. She was deeply involved in their lives from their early years, throughout college, and beyond.
Heather and her family together enjoyed a multitude of life’s gifts, from cabin summers on Crosslake in northern Minnesota to travel to interesting places, and visiting parents and siblings. She was an avid chef, baker, and entertainer. No better carrot cake or margarita was ever made. She and Rob enjoyed active playtime daily and were constantly enjoying biking, swimming, rollerblading, or walking and chatting.
Heather loved the Lord, and felt his presence in all things. She spent 20-plus years in leadership roles of Bible Study Fellowship. In addition, she took part in ministry through the HIM4Her organization, working with women recently released from incarceration.
Heather and Rob were members of Grace Community Bible Church in Venice, Fla. Following her passing, her daughter CeCe was quoted as saying: “Thankful to have such a strong, God-fearing woman in my life to show me the importance of walking with Christ daily. At peace knowing you are killing it in the kingdom. I love you.”
Heather is survived by her husband Rob Little of Englewood, Fla.; parents Jim and Celia Jackson of Syracuse, Ind.; in-laws Susan and Phil Little of Edina, Minn.; siblings Todd Jackson (José Medeiros) of Atlanta, Ga., Lara Jackson of Minturn, Colo., Chelsea (Eric) Eul of Minneapolis, Minn., and Conor (Ashley) Jackson of Bluffton; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews.
Services will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 2, at the First Reformed Church in Bluffton. Burial will follow at the Six Mile Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Heather’s name to Community Impact Malawi (https://www.communityimpactmalawi.org/) or HIM4Her Ministry (https://www.him4herministries.org/)
Funeral arrangements are by the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton, IN 46714. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com