Jillian’s Love Lives On marks Jillian Angner’s birthday with fundraiser, new victim-support plans

BLUFFTON, S.C. (WTOC) - May 29 would have been Jillian Angner’s 28th birthday.

Instead, her family is using the day to honor her life and expand an effort aimed at supporting victims of violence across the Lowcountry.

The Angner family launched Jillian’s Love Lives On about 10 months ago, following the sentencing of John Patrick Shea, the man convicted of Jillian’s killing.

Foundation aims to help families facing violence

Jillian Angner died in a shooting in 2023 in what her family has described as a domestic violence situation.

Her sister, Monica Angner, said the foundation’s focus is to be a place of support.

“We want it to be about love, hope, healing, and helping others,” Monica Angner said.

The family says the goal is to connect with victims and families who may need immediate help after a violent incident.

Ron Angner, Jillian’s father and the foundation’s founder, said needs can vary widely.

“They may need medical support, they might need shelter, they might need money for food because they aren’t working. I don’t know, I want to hear their story,” Ron Angner said. “I want to know who I am helping and why, and that will fill my cup.”

Community birthday fundraiser and open house

The foundation hosted a community birthday for Jillian at PLAY – Home Technologies / Coastal Lighting Studio in Bluffton.

Donations to benefit Hopeful Horizons

Guests were encouraged to bring a “birthday gift” donation to support women and families helped by Hopeful Horizons, which assists victims of domestic violence.

Suggested donation items included:

• Gift cards (Target, Walmart, gas, grocery)
• Toiletries and self-care items
• Journals and comfort items
• Overnight bags or backpacks
• Phone chargers and portable batteries
• New blankets or other cozy items
• Children’s activity kits or comfort toys
• Personal safety items and emergency essentials

Victim portal in the works

The Angner family says the foundation has already provided donations — including comfort items like stuffed bears — to local organizations, and they are working to expand their outreach.

“This is not simply about remembering Jillian,” Ron Angner said in a statement. “It’s about creating something meaningful that can help other people who are going through trauma, grief, and violence. We want Jillian’s legacy to continue making an impact in the lives of others.”

One upcoming resource includes a victim portal, which the family says should be up and running in the near future.