In Memory

Jill Littlefield (Heustess) VIEW PROFILE

Jill Littlefield (Heustess)

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Jill Littlefield Heustess, second daughter born to Gary Anderson and Louise Pollard Littlefield on June 28, 1942 in Gastonia, NC, died peacefully late August 22.
 
Preceded in death by her father and mother, she is survived by her loving husband of over 43 years, Richard Alexander Heustess; daughter Elle Easterling Hurtt, husband Thomas, their daughter Taylor and son Tommy, of Panama City Beach, Florida; son Brent Alexander Heustess, wife Michelle, their son Alex and daughter Helen, of Austin, Texas; sister Lou Littlefield Ogburn, husband Calvin, and their daughter Ruth, of Tallahassee, FL; and many dear friends.
 
Early on she was recognized as a gifted artist and studied at Meredith College and the Universities of North Carolina and Georgia. After Richard’s military service, she continued as a dedicated and loyal partner in her husband’s career with Shell, traveling extensively in support of his job while being a devoted mother. Her life was made complete by their relocation back to Houston in 1970, after short stays first in Houston, New Orleans, and New Jersey. They established a life long residence in Camelot Woods, where she followed in her mother’s footsteps of “working in the yard”. She was a member and officer of the Hunters Creek Garden Club.
 
A member of First Congregational Church serving on numerous boards and committees, her artistic contributions to the buildings, grounds, and worship service enriched many. Her life was filled with doing for others, especially her grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She volunteered to lead an exercise class at Chapelwood Methodist Church for over 25 years three times a week; and she finished third in her age-group in the 1980 Houston Marathon.
 
Jill also found time to develop her floral and home design talents through her business, JLH Designs, specializing in holiday home decorating. Her crafts were featured in Redbook and on local television. She will be remembered for her many artistic craft creations, but none more than her original annual Christmas cork ornament and hand-designed card. In recent years she began rug hooking, and her creations were featured in Rug Hooking Magazine.
 
In lieu of flowers and for those desiring, a donation may be made in her memory to American Stroke Association,Stroke Research, Box 15186, Austin, TX 78761 or a favorite charity. A Memorial Service will be held at First Congregational Church, 10840 Beinhorn Road, at 10:30 a.m, Friday, August 26.



 
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11/10/09 07:48 AM #1    

John Parker

A special friend “If they asked me, I could write a book…” I didn’t know Jill well until our Senior year when we were in the same homeroom. I was completely entranced by her. From after Christmas until Graduation Day, Hope Matthews could never sit in her seat during homeroom. I was in it talking to Jill who sat behind Hope. Jill came to our 20th reunion & I briefly talked with her then she missed the 30th & 35th. In 2000, I decided it was time she came again so I wrote her inviting her to appear. She wrote back that she had been to her husband’s two years before and thought that was enough for her. I wrote back saying that that reunion didn’t count since she was with old people she didn’t know & that being in Gastonia with her classmates would be much more fun. I added that since she was voted the “Most Intellectual” superlative by the class, that she owed us something. She responded that she couldn’t believe anyone actually voted for her as most intelligent. I replied, I couldn’t either & that I didn’t. I added that I would have voted for her as “Most Unique”. She came to the reunion & we remained in touch until her death. Knowing her again made me realize that she was the most unique person I have ever known.

11/11/09 10:38 AM #2    

Steve Faulkner

Special friend and a special lady!

11/13/09 08:36 PM #3    

Mary Loughridge (Sessoms)

I can't ever remember when Jill was not in my life, either in person or by letter. We were childhood friends and neighbors. She and Richard visited us in Pinehurst in 2005 just before her stroke. I have very special memories of this very talented friend.

11/24/11 06:46 PM #4    

Dan Rockett

I remember Durham School of Dancing, about 1958-9, we took ballroom dancing together.

We were the greatest of partners in the Viennesswaltz(sp?) dance, as well as others.
Darn she was terrific dance partner.
We learned the Cha-cha, rhumba, sombia, fox trott, waltz, shag- ohhh that was the thing then.
I was almost in tears from my mom making me attend "dancing" classes, but who knew, the subtle changes life brings.

Damn, those were the greatest memories of my young years.

Seems like everyone was in that "unfortunate" group of young social inept adolesences.
I can still remember so many of the names.
Kay Herring, Bill Jarman, Jill Littlefield, Rosalind Ratchford, Johnny Culp, John Ross, George Rawlings?, George Simon, ....must have been thirty or more classmates. And the "cotillion" dances, ohhhh that was 'classy'.

Dancing with the stars was not as good as we were!

Bless you Jill, and may God Bless.

Dan

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