Jill Carol Dustin, Ed.D., beloved wife, daughter and sister, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. She was predeceased by parents, Judy McCarthy and Jack Fussinger, and by her sister, Joy Fussinger.

She is survived by her husband, Anthony “Tony” Dustin; stepfather, Joe McCarthy, and wife, Angie; siblings, Joelle Etler and husband, George, Jack Fussinger and wife, Paula, Joe Fussinger and wife, Tanya, Jim Fussinger and wife, Billie, and Nicole Tomlin and husband, Patrick.

Jill graduated in 1978 from Beechwood High School in Fort Mitchell, Ky., and achieved her bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University. She then graduated with a master’s degree and doctorate degree in counselor of education and supervision from the University of Cincinnati. After graduation she was an associate professor in counseling and human services at the University of Cincinnati and then more recently an associate professor at Old Dominion University.

Jill was very active in all aspects of her life. She participated in a faculty exchange program in Japan through ODU, traveled to Ireland and served as leader of the study abroad program with ODU students, and was active with Relay for Life through ODU. She was an accomplished writer, publishing many articles in trade publications, co-authored one book and wrote and published a second book, “Grant Writing and Fundraising Tool Kit for Human Services.” Jill received many honors and awards and was very proud of receiving the President’s Award by the National Organization for Human Services.

Jill was also active in her personal life. She loved walking in downtown Suffolk, supporting local mom and pop businesses, going to festivals, loved all animals, spending time with family and friends, decorating their home for all the seasons and holidays, and traveling to new places. She always had a warm and caring smile on her face, even during her courageous fight with cancer.

A memorial mass for Jill will be held at St. Mary of the Presentation Catholic Church, 202 S. Broad St., Suffolk, VA 23434, on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. by Father Emmanuel Mensah. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Suffolk Animal Care Center, 124 Forest Glen Drive, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.