With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Elizabeth Rachael Hebert, 52, after a long battle with cancer. Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Born May 26, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan to James Robert Jelsone & Frances Tackett Jelsone, Elizabeth's life was a testament to faith, courage, compassion, and love. She passed away May 2, 2025, surrounded by family.
Elizabeth was a caring mother who filled her family's lives with love, support, and positive memories. Her children Emily "Shiloh" Hebert, Brian Hebert, Holly Hebert, and Henry Hebert were her pride and joy. Her unwavering love for them will remain their guiding light.
She shared the deepest connection with her husband, Adam J. Hebert, and together they built a life filled with laughter and cherished memories.
Elizabeth and Adam were high school sweethearts; they met at Mount Clemens High School in Michigan. Both graduated from the University of Michigan, she with a nursing degree. They moved to Maryland in 1995, and then to South Carolina in 2021.
She was a nurse through and through -- at heart, through education, and by training. Elizabeth initially thought she would be a labor and delivery nurse, but the Lord led her to geriatrics instead. This was her true calling, and she thrived in geriatric nursing at five different facilities in Maryland over 25 years. After taking five years off to help raise her youngest son, she even returned to school to renew her nursing credentials so she could work again until she reluctantly had to retire for medical reasons.
Music was a big part of Elizabeth's life. She loved her role in the choruses and choirs at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Laurel Maryland, and enjoyed attending concerts and live music events with her husband. She Inspired a love of music in her children, and in 2022 fulfilled a lifelong dream by learning to play piano.
She loved being near the water, and proudly completed the 235-mile Port Huron to Mackinac sailing race on two occasions.
Elizabeth was a unicorn. She fought off cancer and related complications for nearly six years with grace, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Her perseverance and courage were an inspiration to family and friends. Elizabeth's faith and positive outlook left an impression on everyone she met.
She made the most of the time she had after her initial diagnosis, a period she came to call her retirement. An avid fan of University of Michigan sports, she was able to attend the Wolverines' 2024 Rose Bowl victory. A lover of nature and the outdoors, she spent a week in the mountains of Gatlinburg Tennessee with family last July.
She is survived by her children Shiloh, Brian, Holly, and Henry; her husband Adam; her mother Elaine; her father Jim; siblings Laura Swain (Roger) and Ryan Jelsone; and countless friends and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.
Elizabeth was an extraordinary woman who will be greatly missed; her legacy is one of strength, courage, and compassion. Her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The funeral service for Mrs. Hebert will be held at 4 o'clock, Wednesday, May 7th, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 105 Main Street, Blythewood, SC. A private burial will be held in the Churchyard. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 o'clock, Tuesday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to memorials be made to 4 Paws 1 Heart animal rescue, P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080, honoring Elizabeth's love of animals, generosity, and loving spirit.