Christine Darlene Millen

Christine Darlene Millen

December 24, 1946 - July 4, 2025

Christine Darlene Millen, 78, a loving mother and grandmother, cherished sister, and devoted friend, passed away on July 4, 2025, in Decatur, IL, at the home of her sister, where she was lovingly cared for and surrounded by family in her final days. A beautiful life taken too soon by brain cancer.

She was born on December 24, 1946, in Decatur, IL, the eldest of five children to Juanita and Paul Beeson Sr. She enjoyed a happy childhood filled with creativity and close bonds with her siblings. She graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and pursued her passion for art at Illinois State University, earning a master's degree, and later received a second master's in clinical psychology from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Christine dedicated her life to helping others as a psychiatric therapist, working alongside her best friend, Marianne Kadyszewski, at Franklin Square Hospital in Maryland. Hearing from former patients about how her therapy changed their lives remained one of her proudest accomplishments.

Christine was also a gifted artist and craftswoman. Her award-winning cross-stitch designs graced the covers of magazines, and she was an accomplished jeweler. However, being a miniaturist brought her endless joy-even as she faced the challenges of arthritis, she continued to create beautiful, intricate works of art. Her most treasured creation was a fully furnished Victorian dollhouse, crafted with extraordinary care and detail. Another of her beloved works, a large wall mural of Noah's Ark, can be seen at the First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon, Illinois.

She loved dancing, studying history, and going on cruises with her sisters. Christine was never afraid to ask questions - her childlike spirit was contagious, and her laughter brought joy to everyone around her. She found deep happiness in spending quality time with loved ones, creating art, and decorating for the holidays.

Christine is survived by her children, Colby, Courtney, Eric (Kristina), and their father, Bill Millen; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her loving sisters, Shirley (Bill) Kirby, Ilah (Ron) Matheny, and Carol Reedy (and her partner, Dale), along with their families. She was preceded in death by her brother, Paul "Buddy" Beeson Jr. (47), and her parents, Paul Beeson Sr. (81) and Juanita J. Beeson Sweeney Tuley (95).

"I love you

In my heart lies a memory to tell the stars above

Don't forget to remember me my love"

- Bee Gees