Bright, selfless, beautiful, fearless
Heaven Mott, effervescent and adventurous, was the easiest hello and hardest goodbye, according to her sister, Brooke. There was never a dull moment when she was around. She brightened everyone’s world simply by being part of it. With big brown eyes trimmed by perfect lashes and a face of pristine makeup, the comedic mind beneath was a complete surprise. Ever the prankster and practical joker, she kept her friends and family guessing while her infectious laughter bewitched them all. Her mother Terri, bonus grandparents Sue and Norman, two sisters Samantha and Brooke, bonus sister Angie, her nieces and nephews, and her beloved friends miss her kindness and boundless faith.
Always an adventurer, Heaven enjoyed swimming, camping, festivals, movies, music, and sports. In addition, she loved creative endeavors like poetry and drawing, and perfecting new dances with her sisters. Unafraid of new things, Heaven was the first to try unique foods, travel without fear, and introduce herself. Working at carnivals with her mother was one way she reveled in the delight of others. Passionate and generous, beautiful inside and out, she also bought gifts for her family, volunteered at homeless shelters, and aided her grandparents with their home health needs. Though determined and confident in spirit, she was silly, genuine, and helpful without a trace of judgment.
Heaven’s completion of a substance treatment program in 2019 was her greatest achievement. Her family lived in the moment with her, delighted in her improved health and happiness and in her zeal for wellness. She dreamt of seeing the world and of being the aunt she could be. While substance free, Heaven was willing to lend a listening ear and help those less fortunate, but when substance use disorder took hold, she became a stranger to all who cared for her. Withdrawn and isolated, making unsafe decisions with an altered mind, she succumbed to substance misuse, becoming physically unrecognizable and causing havoc to her family in ways her sister Brooke still cannot explain. In her words, “The most difficult part was knowing if she didn’t want the help, [that] she wouldn’t get the help she desperately needed. It was a struggle… not knowing if she was okay [or] passed out in an unsafe situation.”
In Heaven’s short life, she had such an impact, lighting the candles of so many with her own. Even though her flame extinguished, her family continues to honor her with humanitarian efforts for Steps of Hope Iowa, working to destigmatize this devastating disease. In Heaven’s name, they share the message that inclusive, accepting love and community is the path through this disorder.
Whenever The Lord’s Prayer echoes within the hallowed halls of local churches, it is assuredly Heaven’s voice from on high, her faith, and her joy loud and clear as the congregation joins her in the verse.
Heaven’s sister, Brooke Mott, provided the information for this narrative.
May 7, 2000-January 18, 2021-Age 20
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
