Photo courtesy of Hermann Funeral Home - Stockton
Jan 5, 1938 - Mar 16, 2026
We dearly loved Janis (and Jim too) over many many years through church, Bible Studies, and Christian events The abundant hospitality was truly amazing and a pure joy to be around
Thank God for this beautiful Angel
Bob & Carol Luning
March 21, 2026 | Forreston, IL | Friend
Jan, so little I was around her but so many good memories & wonderful times. There was never a doubt she loved Jesus, Jim & her family. The world has lost a gem but Heaven has become even more precious.
Rosy Briggs Stephens
March 19, 2026 | PALESTINE, IL | Family
I don’t know if I can properly convey the profound influence Aunt Jan had in my life. What I do know is that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that many of my interests were the direct result of seeing her example. Jan set the gold standard in the Art form of graciously opening her home to others, building a sacred refuge, meticulously arranging our surroundings with beauty, which exuded peace, preparing and serving the most amazing food, but most of importantly, doing it All, with...
Cindy Wellwood
March 19, 2026 | Elmhurst, IL | Family
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jan was a wonderful and faithful Christian woman. She is now with her Heavenly Father.
Meg Remias
March 19, 2026 | Rogersville, TN | Friend
She was a great and a wonderful kind woman she would loved helping everyone she will always be missed
Tiffany Crews
March 18, 2026 | Albany, WI | Acquaintance
Janis Marie White, age 88, of Freeport, IL passed away Monday, March 16, 2026 at her home after a long illness. She was born in Chicago, IL on January 5, 1938, and adopted by Paul and Mary (Powers) Norris. Janis attended Oak Lawn High School where she met the love of her life James Albert White. On July 23, 1955 at St. Peter’s Church in Chicago James and Janis were married and they just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Janis was a faithful member of The Father’s House Church in Freeport and led many bible study groups over the years. She had worked as a nurse’s aide for many years at Elmhurst and Rush Hospitals. Janis had received the “foster mother of the year” for Evangelical Child Welfare in the 70’s. Janis was thrilled to be reunited with her biological sister Rita in 2017after an extensive search basically her entire life. She was an avid gardener with beautiful flower beds everywhere they lived but especially their farm in Elizabeth Illinois. She was an amazing cook and had a unique gift of hospitality. She grew up enjoying classical music, which gave her comfort until her last breath. She loved art and introduced her children to the master’s when they were young. Most of all, Janis loved Jesus, her husband, her family, and her friends.
She is survived by her husband, James White; her son, James (Shay-anne) White Jr.; her daughters, Jamie (John) Schmitz, Mary (Rod) Wedel and Carol (Joe) Gagliardi; her 15 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; her brother, Ronald Cohan; her sister, Dee (Rex) Grant; and her 5 step siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Melissa Joanne; her brother, Dale Gierke, & her step-grandson, Jantz Wedel.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at The Father’s House Church in Freeport at 1:00 p.m.
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