Obituary -Jillian J. Engelbrecht
Jillian Jenelle Engelbrecht, of St. James, Missouri, entered into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, with her loving family at her side. She was 18 years of age.
Jillian, the daughter of Dustin William and Jami Leanne (Thompson) Engelbrecht, was born May 1, 2007 in Rolla, Missouri.
Jillian is survived by her loving parents, Dustin and Jami Engelbrecht, of St. James, Missouri; loving sisters, Jaycee Lucille Engelbrecht and Myrna Jeanne Engelbrecht; maternal grandmother, Vatrinia Arikian and husband David, of Doolittle, Missouri; maternal grandfather, James L. Thompson, of Doolittle, Missouri; paternal grandmother, Jayne Worstell, of St. James, Missouri; and paternal grandfather, James J. Engelbrecht and wife Cindy, of Vienna, Missouri; maternal great-grandmother, Myrna E. Friend, of Newburg, Missouri. She is further survived by many loving aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Ted Worstell, and maternal great-grandfather, David H. Friend.
Jillian was full of love, and she embraced life with laughter and adventure. She loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She was tender hearted and compassionate for others less fortunate than her. Whether she was singing and dancing or sharing a light-hearted moment with friends, Jillian brought joy and laughter to those around her. Those who knew her well also knew that she had a competitive side. She loved playing soccer and pickleball. She loved being in the game, planning her move, and using her speed and control to score. She always wanted to win, but she also enjoyed working with her teammates to achieve the win. Shopping was also a favorite of hers. 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’s favorite moments in life were traditions she made with her sisters and cousins. She embraced every moment she had with her family
Jillian was a member of the First Baptist Church; she accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized on September 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, Jillian gave one of the greatest gifts that she could give to others. Her organs were gifted to help others have life and more time with their families and loved ones.
Her spirit will continue to live brightly in the hearts of all who knew her as family and friends share the cherished memories with one another.
Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services will be at 6 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church, with Bro. Blake Brewer and Bro. Stephen Brubaker officiating. Pallbearers will be James J. Engelbrecht, Chris Engelbrecht, Jason Engelbrecht, Collin Engelbrecht, James D. Thompson, and Joshua Arikian.
Public graveside services will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, at the St. James Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to an education fund for her sisters at Phelps County Bank.
Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
