17 January 2024 | St. Ablans, UK [Adventist Review and tedNEWS]
Heather-Dawn Small, a longtime Seventh-day Adventist women’s leader and advocate, died on January 2 from cancer. She was 66.
Upon learning of her death, General Conference (GC) president Ted N. C. Wilson marked her life of service and contribution to the world church. “Heather-Dawn diligently served the world church as women’s ministries director for many years,” Wilson wrote on his social media accounts. “She was supportive of helping women become involved in evangelism and assisting the church in outreach and community activities. Heather-Dawn was very focused, through the Lord’s guidance, in making a difference in the life of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church using the talents and dedication of the women of the church.”
In a statement to ANN, Audrey Andersson, a general GC Vice President overseeing women’s ministries, also wrote that Small “helped shape women’s ministries over the past 18-plus years,” adding, “She was a sister, mentor, friend to many around the world and leaves a legacy of service which will continue to be a positive influence on each person she has met.”
A Life of Service and Advocacy
Over several decades, Small served the Adventist Church in varying capacities. She served in Trinidad and Tobago as assistant to the president of the University of the Southern Caribbean and children’s ministries, and later, she was women’s ministries director of the Caribbean Union Conference.
Small became General Conference associate director of women’s ministries in 2001 and was elected director in 2005 upon the retirement of Ardis Stenbakken. Small was subsequently re-elected to the position at the General Conference Sessions in 2010, 2015, and 2022.
During her tenure, several Adventist leaders said that Small developed and trained a generation of women committed to serving God and other people and to the church’s mission. She also embraced advocacy efforts through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) campaign enditnow®, an initiative to mobilise members to learn about and speak out against abuse and violence.
Small obtained her B.A. in English from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States. Later, she completed a Master of Arts in Leadership with a minor in Pastoral Care to Women from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon 2015. At the time of her death, she was a candidate for a doctorate degree in Intercultural Studies.
Supporting the Trans-European Division (TED)
Small made frequent visits to TED in support of women’s ministries. Her ministry reach varied from supporting a small Women’s Ministry group in the Irish Mission, to preaching and teaching at large urban conventions. Three key personnel who worked with Small during their tenure reflect on the impact she made not only on their lives but on the members they serve.
Clair Sanches-Schutte (TED Women’s Ministries Director 2010-2021)
I worked with Heather-Dawn for 11 years and found her very inspirational to work with. She always supported the plans and projects I developed, which helped this ministry go further than I could ever have imagined. She was a wonderful mentor.
One thing Heather-Dawn and I had in common was our love of Bible Journaling, and every so often, she would send me some digital downloads to use, and we would share what we had come up with. She loved ‘crafty things’, and when meeting up with her in person, I would give her some craft magazines from the UK, as she said they were better than the ones in the US! The intent of the cards she made was to spread JOY around to people she connected with. I put JOY in capital letters as that was her word. She loved it – and spoke of it often. She had a lot of sadness in her life but never let that show, making a conscious choice to be JOYFUL.
Her sermons, workshops, and sharing were always inspirational whenever she came to speak in our Division. She was a gifted speaker even during COVID-19 when everything was online – not an easy task. But she managed to keep the Women’s Ministries team together, which was very important to all of us. We will miss her and wish Joe and the family God’s comfort at this time.
Karen Holford (TED Women’s Ministries Director 2021 – present)
I was deeply saddened when I heard that Heather-Dawn Small was very ill with cancer and shocked by the swiftness of her death. Her passing is a huge loss for Women’s Ministries. She was loved by so many people worldwide who were touched by many years of her creative and joyful ministry.
During the summer of 2023, Heather-Dawn visited England, and we had a wonderful three weeks in June as she ministered to women in North East London, Brixton, and Dudley in the West Midlands. She had a strong faith, a loving heart for each woman she met, a powerful testimony, and a focus on gratitude and joy. As we explored London for a day with our husbands and then ministered together in various places, she shared her wisdom and creativity with me. It was clear that she wanted to encourage and inspire each person she met, male or female, and to scatter love and joy along the pathway wherever the Lord took her.
Heather-Dawn Small has left many memories in the hearts of all those she met. Although the world is a little emptier because she is no longer with us, her positive influence will be remembered, and it will continue to bless all those who were touched and inspired by her faith and influence. We look forward to the day when we will meet Heather-Dawn again, knowing that she will continue to share her infectious joy and gratitude with others throughout eternity.
Sharon Platt-MacDonald (BUC Women’s Ministries Director 2011 – current)
Our gratitude extends to God for gifting the world for 66 years with Heather-Dawn Small, a virtuous and remarkable woman. Her global impact and lasting influence in her 18-year tenure as General Conference Women’s Ministries Director is immeasurable. Her godly character, tenacious faith, inspirational leadership, notable wisdom, consistent kindness, warm compassion, and phenomenal capacity to care for the hurting was exemplary. The British Union Conference (BUC) women were blessed by her exceptional ministry. Her memorable visits remain indelibly etched on our lives. Indeed, she leaves a rich heritage of impactful resources, ministry tools, and life lessons that nurture and empower us to serve God and humanity. Her many attributes equipped her as a world-class leader and humble servant of God. Subsequently, the outpouring of grief at her passing was immense.
I worked closely with Heather-Dawn for 13 years; she became my treasured mentor and dear friend. Her timely wisdom, warm affirmation, and unwavering encouragement fostered my development, helping me navigate challenging times and thrive despite them. Her favourite word, ‘joy’, prompts me not just to dwell on mourning her passing but also to celebrate her life, her embracing warmth, selfless love, spiritual fervour, and total surrender to God. Along with all who were impacted by her joyful presence, I am waiting expectantly for the glorious appearance of our Lord, when He will raise Heather-Dawn to life eternal, and we can continue sharing together for eternity.”
This report, authored by Marcos Paseggi first appeared in the Adventist Review, 3 January 2024, and was adapted for tedNEWS.
[Photos: Tor Tjeransen / Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0 & courtesy of Sam Davies].
