Jessica McMillan

1993 - 2024

Jessica McMillan

June 4, 1993 - July 7, 2024

Denver, Colorado - Jessica S. McMillan, 31, earned her angel's wings on July 7, 2024, tragically taken by a fire in her home in Denver, CO. She leaves behind her mother Risa Williams McMillan, brother Lucas McMillan (Raleigh, NC), father Mark McMillan, maternal grandmother Sidonie Williams (Buffalo, NY), cat Banksy, dog Zion, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Jessica's passion for life was large and she effortlessly spread joy. Her smile brightened every room she entered, and her laughter was contagious. Every day was an adventure, every person a potential new friend. Her persona exuded light, her art was inspirational, and her piano playing could move you to tears. She was a beautiful soul and person inside and out.

Jessica was born on June 4th, 1993. Growing up on Hilton Head, SC, Jessica filled her school days with laughter and good friends at Sea Pines Montessori, Hilton Head Preparatory School, and Hilton Head High School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Studio Art at the College of Charleston where she embraced the art scene in the city and painted her first mural at the Pour House. She moved to Denver in 2017 where she continued her artistic career. She created larger than life murals which can be seen all over Denver including her rattlesnake at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre. She performed live paints at venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and travelled to festivals painting sets, doing pyrotechnics, live painting, and generally making people happy while donning her signature cowboy hat and bouncing to the music. She colored the lives of people she met with rainbows. Every blank canvas she moved to life with her bright colors, vibrant patterns, geometric shapes, animals, and mandalas to tie together the connection between humans and nature and hoping to bring happiness to the eye of the beholder.

Jessica had a passion for the outdoors and whenever she did not have a paintbrush in her hand, you could find her on a mountain top breathing in the thin, crisp air and taking in nature's beauty. She lived for the challenging hikes, especially the double-digit ones, and loved a plunge in a cold stream or hot springs.

She cherished her cousins and family, and they cherished her back for her free spirit. Given the opportunity to travel anywhere for her 30th birthday, she chose to go to Buffalo, NY and spend it with her 90-year-old grandmother.

Jessica showed people that happiness and kindness are more important than a large income. She was a no-judgement friend and an attentive ear. She cherished children and animals, feeling their unbridled innocence and joy.

Jessica's final Journal entry on July 3rd read, "My life is full of abundance! I appreciate every blessing, no matter how small."

Celebrations of Jessica's Life will take place in Denver and Charleston in September. Donations can be made in her name to the Charleston Animal Society via their website, rescuers of both of her dear adopted pets.