Janet Mae Miller

1942 - 2025

Janet Mae Miller

May 13, 1942 - March 20, 2025

Janet Mae Miller, 82, of Decatur, Ill., formerly of Argenta, Ill., passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Fresno, Calif.

Born May 13, 1942, in Decatur, Ill., Janet was the daughter of Robert Henry Cooper and Lavon Pauline (Davenport) Cooper. She married Jim D. Miller, on December 9, 1967, in Cerro Gordo, Ill. They shared over 50 years of marriage before his passing on February 25, 2020.

Janet retired as an Administrator with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Rehabilitation Services. She started her career as a pediatric nurse at DMH and a psychiatric nurse at Adolf Meyer Zone Center. She went on to open Macon County Rehabilitation Facilities in 1970 where she worked for 21 years and found her passion for working with individuals with disabilities. She went on to work for the State of Illinois for 12 years. Her work left a lasting impact on those she served and those she worked alongside.

Janet loved life and made the most of it. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her warmth, laughter, and strength were a constant source of comfort and joy to those around her. Janet served on many boards and committees throughout her life. She was an active and proud member of P.E.O. She was a member of South Side Country Club for almost 40 years and founded The Dogwood Society, reflecting her commitment to community, leadership, and giving back.

She is survived by her children: Debbie (Tommy Soto) Blankenship of Fresno, Calif., Brad (Jackie) Miller of Savoy, Ill., and Tricia Miller of Fresno, Calif; her brothers: John Cooper of Monticello, Ill., and Dan (Cindy) Cooper of Argenta, Ill; her beloved grandchildren: Rick Amparan and Nick Urrea, both of Fresno, Calif.; Clinton (McKenzie) Miller of Mahomet, Ill.; Cameron (Taylor) Miller of Oakley, Ill.; Ali Miller of Champaign, Ill.; and Mia (Sol) Barwegen of Nashville, Tenn. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Mila Urrea, Cooper Amparan, Elliot Amparan, Knox Amparan, Luka Miller, Liam Miller, and Molly Ann Miller; as well as her sister-in-law, Challis (Bob) Perkins of Cerro Gordo, Ill.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; and her sister Nancy Cooper.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at South Side Country Club in Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dogwood Society at South Side Country Club 1650 Cottage Dr, Decatur, IL, in memory of Janet Miller.

Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.calvertmemorial.com.