Jillian Christina Szerkins-Smith

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Jillian Christina Szerkins-Smith, 34, died Monday, November 29, 2021, at her home in Oxford, MS.  The funeral will be held Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Fish Robinson officiating.  Visitation will be held Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 4:00-6:00 P.M. in West Hall at Waller Funeral Home.  A private graveside service will follow at Eastover Memorial Cemetery.

Jill’s greatest calling in life was that of a mother.  Jill was a constant pillar of support for her children, but was also a care-free parent, known to lighten the mood when she sensed they may need it.  Above all, she wanted to bring happiness into their lives.  Whether attending sporting events, or helping with homework, she was always there for them.  Jill had a welcoming heart and an uplifting spirit that could light up any room.  She loved to tell jokes and share in laughter with her family and friends.  Always up for anything, she seized every moment to live life to the fullest.  Jill loved to sing and dance, and make special memories through fellowship with others.  She would be the first on the dance floor and the loudest in the stands cheering, setting the mood for any event.  If there was ever tension or conflict, she would immediately ease the situation in a way that only Jill could.  A protector of all, Jill would look out for everyone, even strangers, and helped others in any way that she could.  She echoed a quiet strength and sense of bravery that set a lasting example for her children and loved ones.  Watching fireworks over the ocean always provided great joy for Jill, and perhaps this is a depiction of how she led her life— making an already beautiful scene even brighter.  Jill was preceded in death by her father, Glenn Szerkins, her son, Wyatt Burns, and her brother, Richard Szerkins.

Jill is survived by her mother, Debra Hollis of Oxford, MS; her husband, Skylar Smith of Oxford, MS; two daughters, Taylor Burns and Rowan Burns, of Oxford, MS; four sons, Hunter Burns, Austin Smith, Haden Smith, and Bentley Smith of Oxford, MS; three sisters, Jenifer Szerkins of Oxford, MS, Tarah Ponze of Oxford, MS, and Christy Jackson of Wisconsin; a brother, Keith Szerkins of Wisconsin; and a grandmother, Deloris Szerkins of Illinois.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Jill’s memory may be made to the GoFundMe set up to support the family during this difficult time, at  https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-jill-szerkins-kick-cancer.