Jacqueline "Jackie" Head

Jacqueline Kay (Lillvick) Head, of Johns Island, lovingly known as Jackie, passed unexpectedly from this life on Tuesday, January 21st at MUSC. She recently celebrated turning 75, which she said was her best birthday yet.

Born November 21st, 1949, in Kingsford, MI to Wilfred and Betty Lillvick, Jackie was the youngest, tallest, shyest, and many may say the most beautiful of a trio of sisters.

A graduate of Kingsford High School, she pursued modeling and fashion at the Fashion Institute of America in Atlanta, where she had adventures and friendships she often spoke about.

On April 3rd, 1982, Jackie married James (Jim) Monroe Head, Jr., her devoted husband, steadfast companion, and professional Mr. Fix-It. They lived in Louisiana and Florida before settling in South Carolina with their children to be near her sisters and their families.

Jackie had a strong calling to help others, especially senior citizens. She found her place in the mid-1990s with the Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, where she was soon named the Director of the Batesburg-Leesville Senior Center. Under her 16+ years of leadership, many programs for B&L Seniors were improved and expanded. She helped champion a new 4,500-square-foot building named the Andre Bauer Senior Center, decking it out for every holiday and change of season. Jackie enjoyed working with Meals on Wheels and providing activities, classes, and special events for her Seniors. She was like family to many of them.

Her children, son Brian and daughters Julie and Joelle, were the loves of her life. Jackie wanted the best for them, providing all the love, selfless support, opportunities, and experiences she could. She looked forward to doing the same for years to come for her five young grandchildren: Jaxon, Aubrey, Elle, Kira, and Grayson Ortiz. Grammy, as they adoringly called her, loved, spoiled, and cared for them every day she could, even relocating with Jim to Johns Island when the first was born in 2015.

She had a huge heart for dogs and supported no-kill shelters, animal relief funds, and local fosters. Jackie had many dogs through the years, but it was a tiny teacup morkie named Jinjer that completely stole her heart. They were inseparable for years until Jinjer passed. We know they are happily reunited.

Jackie is survived by her adoring husband of 43 years, Jim; her beloved children: Brian Dais of Phoenix, AZ, Julie (Steve) Head-Ortiz of John’s Island, SC, and Joelle (Michael) Cardwell of Virginia Beach, VA; five cherished Ortiz grandchildren; best friend, confidant, and middle sister Jo Ann Wagner, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and special nephew Jack Wagner.

She was predeceased by parents Wilfred and Betty Lillvick, brother Roy Iver, sister Judith Wingate, and nephew Jimmy Wagner.

Her life, which ended sooner than anyone expected, will be celebrated on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Ave., N. Charleston, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Paws 4 Adoption SC (formerly SQ Rescue), a charity Jackie continually supported. Contact: Susan Bennett [email protected] or (803)238-2124 to donate.