Iliana Janail McCottrell

2007 - 2021

Live Broadcast for Celebration of Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIJ0ThKJn6s

 

Iliana Janail McCottrell was born on January 24th, 2007, to Ivie Patrick Summers and Troy McCottrell in Saint Louis, Missouri.

At an early age, Iliana began a battle fighting a rare cancer called Neuroblastoma. It would exemplify her strength and courage throughout her life. When Iliana was diagnosed at 5 years old, she was way too young to understand. No matter how difficult, Iliana possessed a special quality that never disappeared, she always found a reason to smile. She attended elementary, middle, and high school in the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood School Districts, when she was able. Iliana’s teachers knew her and complimented her for her manners and eagerness to learn.

Iliana was known by family and friends for being beautiful especially without hair. She was full of life, had a contagious smile, intelligent, a spiritual being, and wise beyond her years, among many others. Iliana accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior.

While many may know and will remember Iliana as being sassy and sarcastic, Iliana wishes to be remembered as kind, creative, intelligent, courageous, fashionable, brave, and just human. She took lots of pictures, enjoyed vlogging, shopping, and if you didn’t know, she was a Tik Toking dancing machine. Iliana loved Beyonce, Queen Naija, and Billie Eilish just to name few of her favorite artist. She had an appreciation for art, music, dogs, the beach, nail art, and became an entrepreneur. Everyone who knew Iliana also knew her favorite activities were watching Grey’s Anatomy, her favorite You Tubers, and her Instagram.

One of Iliana’s most dearest roles in life was to be the best Aunt (TT she demanded RJ and eventually baby Ryann to call her). She was entrusted early in her nephew and niece’s lives to nurture, care for, and love them when they were newborns. She had a hand in teaching RJ to talk and dance. Most would be surprised that she could be going through the toughest times, but her babies would keep her encouraged. Iliana had a special love for them. Iliana wanted everyone to know that her family was the source of her strength and joy.

Iliana was an amazing daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend. Iliana is survived by: her mother, Ivie Patrick Summers; father, Troy McCottrell; sisters, Jamiyia (Ronald), Summers-Tate and Jayla Summers; brother, Jamaal Summers, Jr.; grandparents, Edward & Kim Patrick of Kansas City, MO; aunt, Kiana Patrick of Kansas City, MO; best friends, Pierra Underwood and G'kyra King; dogs, Prince and Milo and a host of relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by, Valarie McCottrell, and many loved ones and friends.

Services for Ms. McCottrell will be held 10:00AM Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Graceway Church.  Burial XII Gates Cemetery. Friends may call from 9AM until service time at the church.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. ELEY & SONS FUNERAL CHAPEL.