Jillian Kate Harris, beloved daughter and sister, passed away on June 24th, 2025 at the age 22. Jillian was born October 20, 2002 in Lee’s Summit, MO to Scott Harris and Michelle (Fenton) Harris, sister to Cameron Harris.
Jillian’s middle name is in honor of her Aunt Traci “Kate” (Harris) Struemph. On April 15, 2018 at Summit Park Christian Church, Jillian accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized.
Jillian spent most of her childhood in Lee’s Summit but eventually moved to and graduated from Gardner/Edgerton High School in 2021. After graduating high school, Jillian worked full-time while going to school at Entourage Institute of Beauty in Overland Park, KS with future plans to become an esthetician.
Outside of work and school, Jillian spent time going to various concerts but Jillian was able to to meet her favorite artist, Nessa Barrett, in person on her 21st birthday. Besides concerts and her love of music, Jillian was a self-proclaimed “crazy cat lady” who adored her Ragdoll kitties and considered them to be her children.
All that knew Jillian found her to be a quiet and shy girl with a quirky and fun personality once she opened up to you. She believed in a holistic path in life, the power of nature and gem stones, and a belief in God and positive affirmations. It was not unusual to find words of positive affirmation and scripture written on post it notes that Jillian had written.
Jillian is survived by her mother, Michelle of Gardner, KS; father Scott (fiancé Nichole Bockover) of Smithville MO; brother, Cameron of Kansas City; Grandmothers Sharon Harris of Kansas City, MO and Susan Blackburn of Butler MO; and a nephew and niece as well as various aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on August 30th, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Smithville MO with a graveside service to immediately follow at the Community of Smithville Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pet Resource Center of Kansas City.
