03/30/2026
From Michael Stephens:
Hey Everyone,
Jill’s family has expressed a preference for an intimate gathering for Jill’s Celebration of Life. This small memorial includes family, neighborhood friends, and those who knew her from Rice University. With this in mind, the family chose The Cadillac Bar & Grill.
To honor their request, we mentioned that we (her dance family) were considering a larger Celebration of Life. They completely supported our wish.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Jill Banta at Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon on Sunday, April 12th, at 7:00 p.m. until… Let us first start by thanking Debbie Storrs for offering Neon Boots as a place of celebration. Please send song suggestions to me (that you know Jill liked). We do not have all of the details worked out, yet. We do know that we will have a Waltz and a Cha Cha played during the evening as a tribute to Jill’s favorite dances. As many of you know, Jill was a lover of animals. We will soon send out the details for donations in her name to one (or more) of these charitable agencies.
One item that I already have been asked – a lot: we know that this is the Second Sunday Zach and Rachel workshop and classes. Their classes end around 6:45ish. Debbie and I have both contacted them. They knew Jill, as well, and are excited that the dance family’s Celebration of Life for Jill Banta is being held at Neon Boots. There is no conflict of interest.
If you have any questions, please contact Vickie Dunn, Bill Toliver, or me via email, phone, text, or dm.
