So much life to live, stolen too soon
The fourth born of five children, Jillian learned to do everything early, from walking at nine months to riding a two-wheeler at four. “She was always surprising us,” her mother, Diane, said. Beautiful and funny, Jillian commanded attention when she arrived in a room. She loved her family and her dogs and was an incredible friend to those who knew and loved her. Jillian had an amazing singing voice, but because she was shy, only some people ever heard it. She was also a natural at most sports and loved golf as she got older.
Jillian planned to pursue a career in cosmetology, doing make-up and hair. She was a daredevil and a jokester. She got the most fun out of teasing her older sister. Her favorite holiday was July 4th, something she shared with her father.
Jillian’s drug addiction likely started with the opiates she was prescribed at 14 after a root canal. Soon after, she was introduced to heroin by her boyfriend, which sent her on a downward spiral. Most of her friends became those who were also in active addiction. Some of her siblings struggle with substance use disorder, and some have gotten worse since Jillian’s death. At least one sibling has improved, along with several of Jillian’s friends. “Jillian’s death has not been in vain,” her mother stated. “She is the reason that five of her close friends and a sibling have gotten sober.”
Going through the experience of addiction with family members is what prompted Diane to start a group for families who have lost loved ones to illicit drugs and fentanyl poisoning. “I never want another family to have to deal with what we have gone through,” Diane said. The group meets monthly, spreads awareness by holding rallies, and provides drug education in the school system.
Jillian’s mother, Diane Searle, provided the information for this narrative.
February 20, 1999-March 21, 2018-Age 19
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
