A founder member and organiser of the Rye Harbour Artists' Group, Jill was an exceptional author and illustrator who produced a wide range of artistic work inspired by her surroundings in Rye Harbour.

She wrote a series of children's books about Fred the Fisherman, a character based on local fishermen, their struggles and adventures with the sea, the difficulties and hardships of their lives – and the fun they had at the same time.

She illustrated them all with her beautifully executed colour pen and ink drawings, bringing out her delicious brand of humour, a wry look at Rye Harbour life.

She received her artistic training at the Hammersmith School of Art and her combination of artistic flair and organising skill was crucial in the founding of the Rye Harbour Artists Group in 1999, showing her own work as part of the Group together with leading local artists in exhibitions at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Rye Harbour and other venues. Her work has also been shown for several years in the Turtle Fine Arts Gallery in Rye.

Jill, the wife of local architect Mike Stott, was in her professional life an interior designer, specialising in modern hotels for leading groups in both the UK and abroad. She also worked with great discretion for many years as a counsellor for the Church and a GP practice.

Her funeral is to be held at midday on Saturday May 10 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Rye Harbour, and it was her wish that any donations should be made to St Michael's Hospice (Hospice at Home) or the Sarah Lee Trust.