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Author, published writer, teacher, anthropologist, animal lover, adventurer, world traveler, philosopher, artist, and historian, Jessica Elizabeth Hartsfield (Shaver), age 44, found eternal peace on May 26th, 2026 surrounded by her family, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born July 7th, 1981 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin to Cheryl Collins and Tom Shaver. Jessica was the devoted wife of Christopher Hartsfield.
From a young age, Jessica was known for her quick mind, deep curiosity, and kind heart. She had a beautiful love of nature and connected with animals of all kinds including her many beloved farm animals. Jessica had a creative artistic spirit with a thoughtful and reflective soul. She had a unique ability to connect with people on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met.
A tenacious student, Jessica graduated from Imlay City High School and went on to study International Business at Eastern Michigan University earning her BBA, and continued her studies at University of The Pacific for Intercultural Relations earning an MA. After learning Japanese, she taught English to students in Japan. These achievements reflected both her intellectual prowess and adventurous spirit.
Jessica was a trailblazer and a natural born leader that fearlessly followed her dreams and inspired others to do the same. Her legacy of creativity, determination and generosity will live on in the businesses she built and the lives she’s touched. Her curious and brilliant mind led her to working in a variety of fields during her lifetime, including project management, consulting, and being an agent of change. She had the goal of helping others create peaceful, fulfilling, and balanced lives through her work with Elements of Life, PM Innov8, Hartsfield Haven, Maven Source International and her novel series ‘Kingdom of Orion’. She was passionate about the planet with her dedication and involvement in cloning the world’s oldest trees with the Archangel Ancient Tree Archive. Jessica’s brilliance outshined those around her and she was often found with a book in her hand in her favorite spot in the sun.
Jessica’s beautiful sense of curiosity was reflected in her hobbies which included painting, traveling, reading, writing, rock climbing, hiking, yoga, skydiving, clogging with ‘just for kicks’ cloggers of Roscommon MI, gardening, exploring, and spending time with the goats, chickens, dog, cats, and woodland creatures on her hobby farm in Northern Michigan. Her spirit always brought everyone together, a shining light in our family. Jessica embraced adventure and planned many trips with her sisters, family, and friends, creating lasting memories that will always be cherished. Her world travels have taken her to four different continents and in each, she has made it a priority to understand not only the cultural differences between the peoples of the Earth but more importantly, what connects us all.
Above all else, Jessica cherished her family and friends. Jessica continues to be loved by so many and is survived by her mother, Cheryl Collins (Shane Neahusan) of Flushing, MI and father, Tom Shaver (Brenda Roszina) of Menomonee Falls, WI. Jessica was the eldest sibling to brother: Thomas Shaver (Monique Bebeau) of Milwaukee, WI and her two sisters: Carmen Hackett of Scottsdale, AZ and Carly Hackett of Sunnyslope, AZ. They hold an unbreakable bond; a shared lifetime of memories, adventures, and deep friendship that time and distance could never diminish. She is also survived by her loving grandparents Kenneth and Grace Bancroft of Green Bay, WI and leaves behind a large, adoring extended family, including many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jessica held a special place in her heart for her cousins, always looking forward to celebrating their accomplishments and sharing countless summers at family reunions and gatherings. Jessica was a caring and devoted friend who had a special way of making you feel seen and heard; her friendships span several continents and she had childhood friends who supported her throughout her whole life.
She is also survived by one niece and godchild, Evelynn Shaver and one nephew, Holden Shaver who both adored her. Jessica was the heart of our most cherished memories, and she will be deeply missed in all the milestones to come.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported Jessica during her illness—especially the exceptional doctors and staff at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland, who gave her the best hope and care.
Her spirit, laughter, and the joy she brought to us brightened every life she touched. She had a rare gift of finding happiness in the simplest things and sharing that delight with everyone around her. Her laugh was contagious and filled every room, her smile never far away. Let us honor her legacy with the rules she set herself by: finding time to ‘enjoy the sunshine every time you can’, ‘smile everyday’, and ‘feel without fear’.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver
“I hope to provide lovers of mystery and mysticism a way to absorb the beauty and pain of life through the magic of connection, understanding, and love.” – Jessica Hartsfield
A celebration of life will be held for Jessica in Michigan and Wisconsin with future dates to come.
To donate in Jessica’s name, please visit https://www.ancienttreearchive.org/donate/
