Jillian Krysni Bell

IN LOVING MEMORY

Jillian Krysni Bell

Apr 26 1990 - Nov 12 2025 Nov 12 2025

Jillian Krysni Bell of Allen, Texas, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 35. She was born to Connie and Joseph Bell on April 26, 1990, in Oakland, California. She was the third child of Connie, and the fourth child of Joseph. Jillian had a close relationship with her siblings, especially her big brother Renould, "Reno". She accepted Christ in 2001 and was a member of the Hope Center in Oakland, California.

Jillian grew up in San Leandro, California and at an early age, she developed a strong sense of independence. Jillian moved to the beat of her own drum. She always expressed her uniqueness and creativity in her hairstyles, her fashion, and décor, which kept the family looking forward to her next stylish moments. Even in those early years, she signaled her deep faith and her relationship with God by, amongst other things, decorating her room with blue paint and angel figurines and later expressed praise through dance. Jillian loved all things in nature and animals, especially her childhood dog, Abby.

Jillian was a proud graduate of San Leandro High School and continued her education earning her bachelor's degree in journalism from California State University, Los Angeles. The focus of her degree was Television, Film, and Media, with a minor in Pan-African Studies.

Jillian always had a strong work ethic. Her first job was at age 16 as a beautician's assistant. She carried this work ethic into later positions at United Healthcare and Hertz. If you knew Jillian, you knew that she was deeply committed to uplifting others. She was a passionate advocate for the underserved, the less fortunate and the oppressed. Her compassion and dedication to justice manifested in how she lived her life and the way she inspired all who experienced her presence.

She was a visionary leader, a gifted communicator, and a true believer in the power of social change. As a founding member of Next Generation Action Network (NGAN) and one of their early communications leaders and speechwriters, Jillian played a critical role in shaping the messaging and moral compass of the organization. Her passion for justice is best described as revolutionary, her commitment to truth, unwavering, and her love for her community, profound. Anyone who had the great fortune of being proximate to Jillian knew and loved her for her fierce dedication, her infectious laugh, and how endlessly she loved people across the country, and indeed the world.

One of Jillian's most notable contributions to NGAN was her work supporting students at South Oak Cliff High School during their historic fight for better school conditions in 2015. After the students bravely staged a walkout, Jillian was instrumental in developing the idea for students to camp outside the school as a powerful visual demonstration of the building's unsafe and unacceptable conditions. Her strategy drew widespread attention, galvanized community support, and served as a turning point in the fight for educational equity in Dallas. As a result of this movement, the school ultimately received a $62 million renovation grant and the school went on to earn seven academic distinctions, a transformation that stands today as a testament to Jillian's belief in young people and her extraordinary ability to inspire collective action.

Demonstrating her commitment to community service, Jillian spearheaded the NGAN's "Books and Breakfast" program. The program addressed food insecurity by overlaying the importance of reading for children in economically disadvantaged communities. The goal of the program was to focus and prevent students from being hungry while trying to study and learn. Jillian participated in many programs and efforts that supported the underserved, such as Dallas Millenium Criminal Justice Organizing Committee, Plano Political Campaigns, and she used her podcast platform "Jillian Reports", to educate others about issues and actions to address these issues. Jillian's commitment to the movement strengthened everyone who worked alongside her. The NGAN would not be the organization it is today without her tireless dedication, brilliant ideas, and fearless spirit. Jillian was truly a jewel, a rare and powerful soul whose loss will be felt deeply across our community and far beyond.

Jillian had the most beautiful smile, and her presence brought light into every room she entered. Jillian loved to travel, explore new places, and immerse herself in books. She combined her love for travel with her passion for helping others, resulting in a move to Tanzania, Africa, where she taught English and Literature to young children.

Jillian had numerous accomplishments, but her greatest joy, source of pride and purpose in life was her beloved son, Jah.

Jillian is survived by her beloved son, Jah Bell; mother, Dr. Connie Bell and husband, Russell Giles of Allen, Texas; father, Joseph Bell of Oakland, California; grandmother, Cora Cooper of Stockton, California; grandfather, Jimmy McDonald of North Little Rock, Arkansas; siblings, Jory Bell, Renould Giles, Jasmine (Tray) Roddy, Jerryn Bell, Jerita Bell, and Joseph Bell, Jr.; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Jehlani Bell and grandmother, Rosemary Contreras.

The family will receive guests for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, at One Community Church (OCC) – Lewisville Campus, 2150 TX-121 Business, Lewisville, Texas 75067.

To reflect the spirit of Jillian's celebration of life, we ask guests to wear white, but please free to come as you are.

Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park located at 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 for a committal service, returning to OCC-Lewisville for the repast.

Donations in remembrance of Jillian Bell may be sent to NGAN Excel, Next Generation Action Network 1808 S. Good Latimer Expy Dallas, Texas 75226 https://www.thengan.com.

A Fidelity Education Fund has been established for Jill's 5 year old son, Jah. Donations can be made to the Jah Jianni Bell 529 College Savings Plan here.