Jillian-Rey Catherine, affectionately known as Jilli, was a smart 9.5 year old bundle of energy and joy who amazed all around her. She loved to entertain family and friends by performing self-choreographed praise dances and singing her favorite Beyonce’ songs especially “Love on Top.” Affectionately called Golden Girl and Scoot by her grandfathers, Jilli loved to learn and excelled in school. 

She enjoyed running fast as lightning; singing any gospel song that came on the radio; spending time with her brother-cousin, Joel; playing golf with her Daddy; cooking dinner with Mommy; and visiting Frankie’s Fun Park and the beach with her family. Jilli was a true girly-girl who loved the color hot pink; insisted that her ponytail and shoelaces be super tight; loved playing dress-up in her Mommy’s closet; and requested her nails be painted with vivid colors as often as possible. With an amazing sense of style, she refused to leave home unless her outfit was "just right!" 

In October of 2013, our mighty God cradled five year old Jilli as she successfully underwent a craniotomy to remove a malignant brain tumor (glioblastoma) that had plagued her with headaches and fevers for nearly two months before her kindergarten year. Praise be to God, her neurosurgeon, Dr. Herbert Fuchs, and his team removed it completely; however she was diagnosed with a year's life expectancy.  But our Jilli beat the odds! Over four years, Jilli endured treatment therapy prescribed and managed by the awesome medical staff at both Duke Pediatrics and Duke Cancer Center. 

In May of 2018, our sweet Jillian spent the last three weeks of her life in the care of her medical team at Duke Children's Hospital. With most of her family and friends local to Durham, the extra-large patient room accommodated beautiful familial gatherings before her passing on May 19, 2018.  

When COVID-19 changed our lives, Duke Children's lost critical fundraising sources so to celebrate Jillibean's fourth Heaven-versary, her family would love for you to contribute to our fundraising campaign.  Raising $50,000 will grant us the opportunity to a name a room in honor of our princess warrior in the brand new pediatric wing.  

Your contribution is critical; we want to raise $50K before June 30th! 

Dr. Malbert Smith III has pledged to match all gifts made after June 1 up to $5,000.  Help the Williams family fulfill their goal to honor Jilli and double your gift.

Please join us in helping the lives of these brave children and their families as they overcome medical obstacles in this world-renowned medical facility. 

With Love, 

Jilli's Family