Jill Walls died on November 28 at the age of 54 after mightily fighting pancreatic cancer.

Mrs. Walls is survived by her immediate family of Rob, Robert III, Sydney and Hope. Also surviving Jill is her German shepherd protector Maggie and ever loving Charlie.

She found her soul mate and partner for life while taking post-graduate classes in Dallas, Texas. Rob sensed that Jill was a renaissance woman and for the rest of her life she proved him right. Her insatiable curiosity and willingness to jump in with two feet led to countless experiences that enriched her life and others.

Poignantly, Jill’s last thanksgiving dinner was totally prepared by Hope with Jill providing recipes from memory. Hope then assisted Jill in eating the spoils of which seconds were demanded. Jill prepared her first thanksgiving dinner in Israel after acquiring a turkey from a nearby kibbutz. She was not too keen on having to pluck the turkey but did so and made a dinner for all times. Jill, the Chef, continued to cook like no other and was constantly creating new dishes that pleased all who had the pleasure of dining with her. Jill’s mouthwatering signature dishes and accoutrements included: steak, brisket, pork loin, rack of lamb, corned beef, spaghetti and meatballs, and not to forget, meatloaf.

Jill decided early on that her most important job in life was raising her daughters. The artistry and zeal with which she undertook this journey led to both daughters skipping their senior year of high school and receiving the highest level scholarships at LSU. Of course, the girls had a little to do with that. As part of the education journey, upon moving to Zachary and learning there were no AP courses, Jill got with administrators and initiated the AP program for the school. Jill, the Mom, was always there for her girls and involved with their activities. Notably, Jill wanted the girls to participate in Girl Scouts and upon inquiry found out there was no local troop available. Jill, in her inimitable way, decided to right that wrong and created the first local Girl Scout troop. The troop is still alive and well today and having a blast the way Jill and the girls did on its creation. Similarly, Jill woke up one day and thought “wouldn’t it be fun for me and the girls to go get a black belt.” And indeed, Jill and her daughters, after breaking many boards with their fists and feet, were awarded black belts in Taekwondo.

Being a renaissance woman, Jill decided one day “I think I will open a business.” Soon thereafter Jill began manufacturing digital charm bracelets ultimately selling hundreds of thousands dollars of bracelets through the business Digital Charms. She was so good and creative at the business that Jill even went through the laborious process of trademarking her products with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The brainchild of miniaturizing photos and affixing them to bracelets required Jill to become an expert in accounting,
manufacturing, supply chain, marketing and management. All of which she did as if it were second nature.

Jill, the artist, one day decided “I want to create graphic designs for digital scrapbooking.“ There she goes again, from literally no formal training or tutelage Jill became an extraordinary graphic artist. During this journey, Jill met hundreds of people across the world who became friends and admirers. In the end, Jill led a creative team that was continuously creating beautiful graphic art for digital scrapbooking. She was highly successful and respected and will be missed by the community.

Jill, the instructor, woke up one day and said “wouldn’t it be fun to teach Zumba.” Well, that entailed learning how to walk before running, so she signed up for a Zumba class. Shortly thereafter, the pupil surpassed the teacher. Jill became widely recognized as the best local Zumba instructor. This passion took Jill to international Zumba conventions where she met and befriended people from all over the world. Jill continued to lead classes for as long as possible until it became too painful for her to continue.

Jill, the partner, decided that she would support Rob in all that he did. Well, little did she know that meant, moving to Israel, moving to Dallas, moving to Virginia, moving to Dallas again, moving to Virginia again, moving to Louisiana. Jill never complained about moving every two to three years and was always quick to adapt to the new environment. She provided the backbone and support for Rob to focus on his career. Along the way Jill was always creative when it came to gift giving. So she woke up one day and decided for Rob’s fiftieth birthday I am going to make it really special and memorable. When the birthday arrived Rob was surprised by a prize of 60 laps around the Texas Motor Speedway in a real NASCAR race car. What a blast he had, and in the end Jill as well, as she rode as a passenger in the pace car for the final 10 laps at 170 mph! Jill was the true soulmate that everyone hopes to find but not always so lucky to do so. Her selflessness and love for her partner had no limits or conditions.

Jill, the renaissance woman, wife, mother, friend and collaborator brought so much joy and laughter to all she knew. May she rest in peace knowing that she was loved deeply and made a difference in this world.