Tru Luv Flo, formerly known as Robin Todd Jackson, was born in Urbana, Ill., on Jan. 22, 1956. After recently enjoying another visit with his mother and sister on Martha’s Vineyard (where he spent summers in his youth), Tru passed unexpectedly at his Urbana home on July 11, 2026. He was 70 years young.
This gentle soul was a unique, creative, intelligent, and gifted individual who lived life on his terms, seeking a path of peace and happiness. Tru’s life was varied and wholly his own; his passion abounded with creating art, including poetry, writing, and painting. He enjoyed a lifelong quest of seeking knowledge; studying a myriad of subjects. Tru 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 the service of others, the joy of enjoying good food, and visiting lifelong friends and family across the miles. In his later years, he achieved a long-term 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.”
Tru is survived by his sister, Sylvia Jackson of Aquinnah;, his brother, Aron Jackson of Urbana; 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, Illi.; and his beloved mother,
Blanche Jackson of Aquinnah; and other extended family. He was predeceased by his father, Billy Jackson of Champaign; his elder brother, Lon Jackson of Champaign; and his dear grandmother, Blanche (“Honey”) Tichenor of St. Louis, Mo.
Donations via GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/22530262e) will support cremation services and related expenses, including a memorial. The family will plan for a future memorial in Illinois.
