Jillian Johnson was a devoted member of the community in Lafayette, Louisiana, as a shop owner, musician/performer, and artist.

Jillian Johnson was also one of the victims of the Louisiana theater shooting on Thursday.

In her community of Lafayette, Jillian Johnson was an important presence.

A fellow band member of Jillian Johnson’s folk/cajun band, The Figs, said of her, “I wish there were words to penetrate the hearts of the people watching or listening (to) the news and to make them understand the kind of person Jillian was.”

She added, “Jillian made everything more beautiful. She worked to make Lafayette a more beautiful place, and one of the most tragic things that has ever happened here took her. She was a mother, a wife, a sister, an artist, a collaborator, a band member, a friend to so many.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu1dMrnf7U8

Besides being a member of The Figs, Jillian Johnson co-owned the Red Arrow Workshop with her husband, Jason Brown. The Red Arrow Workshop is described as a gift, apparel, accessories and toy shop, and Jillian worked there on a constant basis running the shop or as an artist.

Jason Brown wrote on the shop’s Facebook page, “Our hearts are shattered. We will love you forever. She was a once-in-a-lifetime gal. A mother, daughter, sister and a truly exceptional wife.”

He added, “She was an artist, a musician, an entrepreneur and a true renaissance woman. She was the love of my life and I will miss her always.”

What a terrible tragedy for Jillian Johnson’s family. Hopefully they can find closure in the coming days.