Jill McQuay

Jill Dawn McQuay, 50, born in Mecklenburg County on March 11, 1974. She passed on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC from Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
Jill was a lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County. She went to Long Creek Elementary School, Alexander Jr. High School and North Mecklenburg High School. She also attended Central Piedmont Community College. She had a special place in her heart for Long Creek and was in one of the last classes in the original 2 story school building before it was torn down. She still had a brick from that building.
Jill was known for her selfless nature and deep love for those closest to her, including family, friends, colleagues and all the neighborhood animals. Her main concern while in the hospital was the care of her pets, a dog and 3 ducks. Through various jobs, she met people with whom she remained in close contact, most recently working at Jackson Day School.
Music was central in her life, having grown up surrounded by it. Whether rock, country, shag, alternative or who knows what, Jill was playing music any time she had the opportunity. Dancing was frequent and enjoyable for her; it just came naturally.
Jill loved witty conversation, kind deeds by others, pictures of river sunsets, music festivals, clothes, movie references, kayaking, and spending time with friends and family. She was overly compassionate and tolerant of others that were quirky or somewhat "different".
Jill is survived by her parents, Johnny and Jane; her sister, Jamie Brooks (Jason) of Troy, NC; nephews, Jacob and Jordon Brooks; and longtime boyfriend, Marty Sharpe, who says, "a light that burns twice as bright lasts half as long and she was the brightest light in my life for a long time".
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mission Farm (2702 Devine Rd, Iron Station) on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Richardson Rescue (York, SC), Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (Indian Trail, NC), The Humane Society, or to the charity of your choice.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.