Jill Christine McKenna

Jill Christine (Sherrod) McKenna, 61, of Guys Mills, PA, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Meadville Medical Center, following a brief illness.

Jill was born in Meadville, PA on February 19, 1965, a daughter of Arden and Suzanne (Emig) Sherrod.

On July 30, 2005, Jill married John McKenna; he survives.

Jill was a 1983 graduate of Meadville Area Senior High School where she was a member of the Track and Cross Country Teams. From the time she was in Junior High School, she was a very dedicated runner. Many years went by before her high school records were surpassed. Following her graduation from I.U.P. where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Jill became employed by Marriott International as a Manager and Trainer. She had also worked in sales for Sears Appliance.

Her most rewarding career began in Virginia when she became employed by SAIC, a Defense Contractor. There, she worked as a Network Engineer in the I.T. Department, and was assigned to the Pentagon. By far, her most memorable career experience was being in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attack. For a period of time, Jill moved to Orlando, FL, still working for SAIC, before moving back to Virginia and finishing out her government career with FEMA, retiring in 2023 at the age of 58.

Her hobbies were many. She continued running while working in Virginia and never lost her love of the outdoors. Having bagged her first deer at the age of 12, Jill loved hunting, target shooting, snowmobiling, and fishing, especially on the Chesapeake. While she enjoyed riding her Honda 90 motorcycle and going to the beach, she equally enjoyed the snow, cold weather, and cloudy days of Crawford County. Anytime she was outdoors, she always had her Rayban sunglasses on. She had an appreciation for all types of music with AC/DC among her favorites in Rock and Rock, while Alan Jackson topped her county favorites. She had a soft spot for rescue cats, especially "Bubba Girl". Jill will be most remembered for her upbeat personality, readiness to celebrate any occasion, and happy demeanor. She was always quoted as saying, "Have a large time." Jill will be sadly missed.

In addition to her husband, John, of 20 years, Jill is survived by her father Arden Sherrod (Lu Ann); her mother Suzanne Sherrod, both of Meadville; her sister Michelle Gillott (Dewaine) of Butler; a niece Bria Saxton; a nephew Treh Gillott; many cousins, aunts, and uncles.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, which will be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jill's memory to Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com