Obituary of Jackie Hilt Fairleigh

Jackie Hilt Fairleigh, 61, of Charlotte, North Carolina, unexpectedly went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Jackie was an exceptional person, born October 31, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, to Jack and Patricia Hilt. Jackie attended Northland High School in Columbus and The Ohio State University. She lived in Chicago for over twenty years where she met the love of her life, Ken Fairleigh, around whom she sparkled and with whom she blossomed. Jackie spent many years in leadership positions at TSC and eLoyalty, before pursuing her passion to launch her own women's apparel business called Dress Blessed. She even found time to serve Moody Church as Director of Communications, although she would be the first to tell you that working at Moody Church was not a job - it was a privilege. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ken; two sons Kenny Fairleigh (Alexandra) of Redwood City, CA, and Phil Fairleigh of Chicago, IL; mother, Patricia Hilt of Westerville, OH; siblings Tom (Sheri) Hilt of Louisville, KY; Jim Hilt of Westerville, OH and Kathy (Bill) Stauffer of Upper Arlington, OH; brother-in-law David (Elizabeth) Fairleigh of Atlanta, GA; four nephews and two nieces, Captain Jack USMC (Lt Danielle USN) Hilt of San Diego, CA; Bret Hilt of Louisville, KY; Lauren Fairleigh of Atlanta GA; Cameron, Zach, and Brooke Stauffer of Upper Arlington, OH. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Hilt, and her parents-in-law, Ken and Louise Fairleigh, who loved her dearly and were very close to Jackie. Jackie loved her family fiercely, in particular her siblings and mother for whom she'd move mountains. Both the Fairleigh and Hilt families mourn the loss of their beloved leader, the rock that was Jackie. Jackie and her husband loved to travel the world, having been to South Africa, Costa Rica, Germany, and Prague over the last year. She delighted in every adventure they shared, including the most recent trek to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Jackie was a five-time participant in the Chicago Marathon and ran many miles along the lakefront in Chicago, always focused on fitness and fun. Jackie loved life and especially loved helping others. There was not a person anywhere that Jackie would not help. Her generosity, selflessness, and loving personality were felt by many. People always said "Everybody loves Jackie!" Jackie was particularly committed to helping support By the Hand Club in Chicago and created meaningful connections with all she encountered, in particular with her "daughter," Madeja Sims, now a student at Taylor University. Jackie had many friends, but special love and thanks for their friendship go to Cindy Williams, her friend since junior high; Amelia Huntington, her friend of over twenty years in Chicago; and Laura Rawden, her friend in ministry and life. Jackie was a friend to many and will be deeply missed. Please join us in celebrating and honoring Jackie's life in either Chicago, IL or Columbus, OH. The first memorial will be held on Sunday January 14th, 2018 (2:00pm service) at Moody Church located at 1635 N LaSalle Dr. Chicago, IL 60614. The second memorial will be held on Saturday January 20th, 2018 (1:30pm visitation, 2:30pm service) at Grace Polaris Church located at 8225 Worthington Galena Rd, Westerville, OH 43081. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in memory of Jackie be made to By the Hand Club, at www.bythehand.org with notation in the comment field referencing Jackie Fairleigh or by sending a donation to: By the Hand, P.O. Box 10043, Chicago, IL 60610. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com