Tru Luv Flo, 70

Tru Luv Flo, formerly known as Robin Todd Jackson, died unexpectedly at his Urbana, Ill. home on July 11. He was 70 years old, and had recently enjoyed a visit with his mother and sister on the Vineyard, where he spent summers in his youth.

Tru was born in Urbana, Ill. on Jan. 22, 1956.

This gentle soul was a unique, creative, intelligent and gifted individual who lived life on his terms, seeking a path of peace and happiness. His life was varied and wholly his own; his passion abounded with creating art including poetry, writing and painting.

He enjoyed a life-long quest of seeking knowledge; studying a myriad of subjects. He was a critical thinker with a sharp wit; a loving soul who was known for helping others in their time of need.

For many years, he sent handwritten notes and cards to friends and family. This act of love is a reminder of his thoughtfulness. Tru was rich in spirit.

Tru graduated from Champaign Central High and became a Navy medic as a young man. Later, he enjoyed time in Venice, Calif. and Seattle, Wash, but eventually returned to Illinois after suffering the trauma of severe burns. He persevered despite health challenges; living a life filled with martial arts, healing modalities he applied in service to others, the joy of enjoying good food and visiting life-long friends and family across the miles.

In his later years, he achieved a longterm goal of obtaining a bachelor of science in liberal arts and sciences in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC), which was also his father’s alma mater.

Tru often said “‘tis a good life.”

He is survived by his sister, Sylvia Jackson of Aquinnah, his brother, Aron Jackson, of Urbana, Ill., his nieces, Celeste Pleadwell of Seattle, Wash., Adria Tarleton of Syracuse, N.Y. and Madeline Gil of Westfield, Ind.; his nephew Matthew Weaver of Champaign, Ill. and his beloved mother, Blanche Jackson of Aquinnah, and other extended family.

He was predeceased by his father, Billy Jackson of Champaign, Ill., his elder brother, Lon Jackson of Champaign, Ill. and his dear grandmother, Blanche (Honey) Tichenor of St. Louis, Missouri.

Donations via Go-Fund-Me will support cremation services and related expenses, including a memorial the family will plan for a future date in Illinois (gofund.me/22530262e).