Jillian Jenelle Engelbrecht of St. James, Missouri was born May 1, 2007 in Rolla, Missouri to Dustin William and Jami Leanne (Thompson) Engelbrecht and passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 at the age of 18 years.
She was full of love, and she embraced life with laughter and adventure, enjoyed singing and dancing. She loved playing soccer and pickleball. She loved shopping with family and friends, looking for the latest styles and piecing together the perfect outfit. Her job at TJ Maxx was a perfect fit for her.
Jillian was a member of the First Baptist Church. She accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized on Sept. 8, 2019. She was active in the youth programs, helped with the younger children, and worked as a sound and video technician for Sunday morning worship.
At the wishes of Jillian and her family, her organs were gifted to help others.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Ted Worstell; and maternal great grandfather, David H. Friend.
She is survived by her parents, Dustin and Jami Engelbrecht of St. James, Missouri; sisters, Jaycee Lucille Engelbrecht and Myrna Jeanne Engelbrecht; grandparents, Vatrinia Arikian and husband David of Doolittle, Missouri, maternal James L. Thompson of Doolittle, Missouri, Jayne Worstell of St. James, Missouri and James J. Engelbrecht and wife Cindy of Vienna, Missouri; great grandmother, Myrna E. Friend of Newburg, Missouri; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri with Bro. Blake Brewer and Bro. Stephen Brubaker officiating. Pallbearers were James J. Engelbrecht, Chris Engelbrecht, Jason Engelbrecht, Collin Engelbrecht, James D. Thompson, Joshua Arikian and Robert Elder.
Public graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at the St. James Cemetery in St. James, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
