Jillian Smith Crim, 38, of Athens, Georgia died January 19, 2021. Cherished wife of Matthew, loving mother of Benjamin, Josephine and Stella, devoted daughter of Judy and Jim Smith, sister of Jody and Jake, sister-in-law of Heather, Jessica, Mandy, and Scotty, beloved aunt and friend of many.
A graduate of Cartersville High School and the University of Georgia (Early Childhood Education), Jill taught at Cartersville Elementary School, the American School in London, and the Key School (Annapolis). As folks in Cartersville, Athens, London, Annapolis, and Atlanta well know, she brightened every community of which she was a crucial part.
Slyly funny, wonderfully present, Jill radiated strength—a God-given grace that set all those who met her at instant ease. That strength—and the warmth and hospitality it fostered—abided in Jill until her last breath. It will continue to endure in the hearts of those who love her, forever.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Jill’s honor will be held on Saturday, January 23, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Athens. Due to the ongoing public health emergency, the family will attend the service in-person, and the community is invited to participate online via the church livestream on Facebook or YouTube (the service will also be archived on YouTube).
Jill loved children's literature and was passionate about literacy education. A memorial fund has been created to honor Jill at the UGA Mary Frances Early College of Education. In lieu of flowers, please give to the Jill Crim Memorial Fund (https://gail.uga.edu/commit?search=71765993&desonly=1, or mail checks made out to “UGA Foundation” with “Jill Crim Memorial Fund” in the memo line to Robert Poister, G3 Aderhold Hall, University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602) or Books for Keeps (https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/BooksforKeeps).
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
