Jill McAllister

Jill McAllister, 82, of Columbia, MD, passed away on May 8, 2025, peacefully, with her loved ones by her side. She was born in Newport News, Virginia, and spent her early childhood as an Army brat, moving frequently across the U.S. and to far-off places like Germany, Japan, and Hawaii. These early travels helped shape her adventurous spirit and taught her adaptability from a young age.

Jill and her husband, Rich, were partners for 57 years, a journey filled with love, laughter, and countless treasured moments. Their early years were marked by sailing and scuba trips in the Bahamas, as well as skiing adventures out west with friends. They also shared a memorable chapter living in Turkey before eventually settling in Columbia, Maryland, where they put down roots and raised their family.

Her greatest joy came with motherhood. From the moment she became a mom, she poured her heart and soul into her family. She was the glue that held them together and the engine that kept them moving forward—always ready to support and guide. She gave her children a deep sense of love and security and created a home where friends felt welcome and interests were always encouraged. Whether she was shuttling kids to track meets, gymnastics, swim practices, horseback lessons, or search and rescue trainings, she made it all seem effortless. Over the years, she proudly wore the title of the family’s taxi driver and constant cheerleader—always there with a smile, a snack, and a few words of encouragement when they were needed most.

From 1993 to 1996, she dedicated her time and energy to the guidance office at Oakland Mills High School, assisting students in exploring their future paths. Her devotion to supporting others went far beyond her own children.

Jill found joy in the simple pleasures of home. As an avid gardener, she was most often found tending to her many flower beds, each a vibrant reflection of her care and attention. When not outside with her hands in the dirt, she enjoyed entertaining guests or could be found settled at the dining room table with a romance novel or solving a crossword puzzle- always with quiet determination and a #1 pencil.

Travel remained an important part of her life—she loved experiencing the world alongside her family, whether sailing the Chesapeake together, exploring France, Scotland, and Germany, or taking a sailing trip up the coast from Annapolis to Maine. After the kids left home, she and Rich continued traveling around the globe and even set a goal to visit every U.S. state—Alaska being the only one she didn’t manage to reach.

Jill is preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Barbara Sunderlin. She is survived by her devoted spouse, Richard McAllister; loving children, Ryan McAllister (Emily) and Jocelyn King (Andrew); cherished grandchildren, Freya, Victoria (Cody), Phoenix, and Alex; and great-grandchild, Jackson, who was born just ten minutes after her passing. That quiet overlap between endings and beginnings is something her family will carry with them always.

A celebration of life will be held at Jill’s home on May 25, 2025, from 3:00-5:00. For more information, please reach out to Jocelyn at mrstheking2014@gmail.com.