Jill and I met when I worked at St. Martin's Episcopal Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This was in the late 1980's. We immediately connected and became fast friends. She taught me so much about being a good parent to my daughter, Chelsea, and was a source of support and love as I managed the ups and downs of being a single parent. We later worked together for St. Francis House which provided housing and resources to homeless families in the area. Jill looked for ways to serve God wherever and whenever she could, by helping those less fortunate. After my second marriage, Jill and I remained friends and I asked her to become the godmother to my son, Elijah. After she moved back to Miami, we lost touch for a bit but had recently reconnected through Facebook. Jill was a joy, and we shared many laughs. I can still hear her giggle in my mind. Her last message to me was to tell me how much I was loved! Jill always found a way to be a light in the dark to her friends even in her darkest days. I was so sad to hear of her passing, but I know she is in the loving arms of God and no longer suffering. She will be forever missed by me and so many whose lives she touched. Prayers ascending sweetie! I love you. Kelly Ecklund-Mathis