We have wonderful memories of Jill moving to Los Angeles to pursue  being an actor.  She was lovely and we were delighted to help.  We shared several meals and theatre performances, usually openings.  Soon she became independent and comfortable navigating LA and the entertainment field.  Much later, we bid her farewell as she set off with a new love to a new future that would include two much loved daughters.  Jill was strong.  She needed to be.  A remarkable woman.  We hope she is now at peace.  We know how hard this is for her family.  We are so sorry.

Jill is one of my oldest and most steadfast friends. We met in 1996 through the Notre Dame alumni club in LA and immediately hit it off. I don’t know how we missed each other while we were actually at Notre Dame, since we graduated the same year, were both involved in acting, and lived in dorms next to each other. After we finally met,  we lived together, played together, prayed together,  and tried to be famous actresses together. She already knew the ropes in LA by the time I got there and helped me find my way.  We supported each other through the ups and downs of life, love, moves, marriage, family, and loss. She showed me how to overcome terrible circumstances with faith, strength, and dignity. She was an amazing spitfire of a woman who pursued her dreams and made them happen.  She had a way of making you feel special because she remembered everything about you and checked in on you when you needed it most. (I’ve had several check ins from her already since she has been Heaven.) 😇  I know when I see her again she will again be helping me find my way, brimming with excitement to share the wonders she has seen. I miss you, my friend, but I am so glad your trials are finally at an end.  Love you with all my heart.

My condolences to the family of Jill Harris Smith...

Jill was a dear friend. She taught me how to drive when no one was willing to or capable of teaching me. She was extraordinary!  She took risks. She dared to find her way to the edge of life's experiences. She wasn't the kind to shrink away from a challenge. She was a role model. She was bold. She was brave.  She knew how to be and feel alive.  She was smart. She was funny. She was good.  She was one of the rare people that could make their dreams come true.  She was an actress. 

She will be forever loved. She will be forever missed.

May she rest in peace...

With deepest sympathy,
Jamie Gregory-Blizzard

My deepest sympathies to the Smith and Harris families.

Jill and I were friends when she lived in Los Angeles. I remember her as a fun, happy, and kind person filled with love.

Wishing you strength and peace at this difficult time.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the Smith and Harris families.
May your memories of Jill last a lifetime.
Love, Alverta and Bob Abbott

Jill and I became friends when we worked together at JP Morgan.  She was so positive and fun.   I loved hearing her stories about acting.  I  have a very vivid memory of going in to a conference room so we could watch her line in the movie Apt Pupil, where she played a reporter.  We watched it so many times, it was so exciting.   I moved jobs, but our friendship continued with many walks (we walked a marathon together).   I was lucky enough to be at Jill and Dave's wedding.  This picture is from when Jill and Dave came to LA in 2009 with little Audrey and this is a picture of Audrey meeting my son Dylan.  Jill was wonderful, and I will miss her.  Sending comfort and love to all who were lucky enough to know her and love her.  Love to all, Jenn and Mitch Glazer

My dear Jilly Bean, thank you for being such a kindhearted friend and colleague. I looked back at our FB text messages and warms my heart the unforgettable ways you remember me and my family and kept me up to date with your health these past 20+ years. I’m truly grateful for our friendship since our receptionist days at JPMorgan.  I remember the fun acting stories you would tell for your love of acting and your so professional voice answering the phone. You sounded better than me lol which I admired.  Rest peacefully now JB. I’ll never forget you. 

Sending my deepest condolences, hugs, peace and prayers to you, David and girls.

My sympathy and prayers for Mike and Jill's extended family.  This is what faith is all about.  Without faith, where could we turn?

I love this picture! Jay introduced me to Jill at Kevin and Barb’s wedding. Jill let me move in to her apartment in West LA the next summer as a short term roommate and we shared a lot of laughs. My heart is breaking as you begin your heavenly journey dear friend. I’m grateful for your friendship.

Jill and Dave traveled all the way to Mobile, Alabama, for our wedding in 2004. A few months after this picture was taken Jill was diagnosed with the brain tumor that started her difficult medical journey. I always admired her faith and fighting spirit through all of the ups and downs of her surgeries. Dave was by her side through it all. Such love and devotion.

I always loved Jill. She had a beautiful way about her and an incredibly kind spirit. I remember when she 1st met you.  I still see her in my mind from when we worked together at JPMorgan. 

Here’s a comforting hug for you and the girls. Her hand is on your heart, easing your pain. She is with you and the girls, holding you.

Dave, Audrey, and Anna......The McKinley Family sends our deepest condolences.  May you feel our warm embrace and love.  

Jill was my very first friend in Kansas City.  We both took a chance and decided to meet up on our "first dinner date".  It was an instant connection and a friendship that I will treasure forever.  Jill is one of the kindest, most generous, and has the purest heart. She cared deeply for everyone in her life.   Jill helped our family through a very scary time with our youngest son and I was forever grateful for her support during those times.  As Jill approached each surgery with courage and bravery, she always had one goal in mind:  she wanted to watch her girls grow, love, and raise them with her beloved husband Dave.  Through the years, we continued our "lunch and dinner dates" at rehab centers and hospitals enjoying lunch or dinner and talking about our dreams and future.   Jill, you will always remain young, fun, filled with laughter, and beautiful in our hearts.  Even though we haven't seen each other in recent years, I will never forget our promise to each other.

May you find peace and comfort in knowing she is resting in heaven now.  

Love always, 
Leslie, Willie, Liam and Connor McKinley

I will always remember how active and full of life Jill was when I first met her. I have such a vivid memory of the summer she led VBS and she jogged up to the stage at the finale to receive a bouquet of flowers as a thank you from the church for a job well done. She was so friendly and caring and a good friend. That was the summer before her surgery and I remember thinking that she was going to be back to her old self in no time. I will always remember her in this beautiful light. Jill will be so missed and I pray she is no longer in pain and I also pray for her family here on earth that they may be comforted by all the wonderful memories of what a special person they were so blessed to know in this life.

OBITUARY

Jill Harris Smith

September 12, 1973 – October 24, 2023

McGilley State Line Chapel

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