Jillian "Jilli" Lea Kilburn

Jillian Lea Kilburn burst onto our stage on March 2nd, 2004, in Kansas City, Missouri. Her entourage included Rick, Melissa, and Taylor. She breezed through babyhood; getting her toenails painted to match her outfits, being spoiled by everyone who loved her, and learning to talk at a very young age, she always had a lot to say. Yep, those first two years were a breeze. And then, on the morning of her second birthday, let’s just say Jilli took “terrible twos” very literally. Our perfect baby suddenly turned on us overnight. It was a rough year. Suffice it to say, we moved on to better days.

Pre-school days, class parties, swimming her way through the summer with her big sister, Taylor. Picking dandelions on the soccer field, playing t-ball, all decked out in her pink helmet, pink gloves, and, of course, a pink skirt. All the while being watched over by a mom, a dad, and a big sister who loved her very much. Along the way, we became acquainted with Fancy Nancy and Junie B. Jones. We actually lived with Junie B. Jones for the better part of a year because Jilli completely took on that persona. She didn’t just love to read Junie B. Jones, she WAS Junie B. Jones, fashion glasses and all. She was a gifted reader who loved to immerse herself in stories that dazzled her and facts that intrigued her.

For Jillian, the world truly was her stage. She developed a love for music, theater arts, singing, and dancing. Anyone who knew Jilli knows that she had the voice of an angel. She had unshakable confidence, from insisting she mastered t-ball after a single practice to having zero nerves before her first dance recital. Jilli was a passionate soul in every way. She put all of herself into her endeavors and interests. She was an immensely talented cook, she loved fashion and make-up, and adored Taylor Swift. A pinnacle moment for her was getting to see Taylor Swift live on stage at the Eras Tour.

Jilli connected deeply with the people she loved. She enjoyed the special moments with them, no matter how small, be it sitting while her dad braided her hair every night before bed when she was little, crawling in bed with her mom for a snuggle, Face Timing with her sister just to chat, having reflective conversations about life with her Mimi, spending the night with Mema and Papa, getting sushi with her bonus mom, Angie, going for ice cream with her bonus sister, Hanna, or babysitting the love of her life, her niece, Olivia. Jillian told us herself that the happiest day of her life was the day she met Olivia. Jilli loved her family endlessly.

To know her was to love her. Jilli’s essence was effervescent and infectious, a delight and an inspiration. She was witty, always making us laugh, simply one of the funniest people. Jilli was a vivacious spirit with so much perseverance for the challenges life threw her way. She lived and loved with her whole heart. We will forever be humbled with gratitude that we got to love her right back. It’s a gift we will treasure for the rest of our lives. Her light was extinguished far too soon, but there is no doubt it will be kept alive in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Jillian Lea Kilburn took her final bow on March 30th, 2024.

We will celebrate her life on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00 PM at McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO 64119.

Donations in Jilli’s memory may be made to In the Name of GRACE at https://inthenameofgrace.org