Janet Sparks Gwilliam

1935 - 2025

Janet Sparks Gwilliam

1935 ~ 2025

Murray, UT-Janet Marian Sparks Gwilliam passed away August 8, 2025 at the age of 90. She was born on August 1, 1935 in Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa to Lilian Faithful Rhoades and Wesley Sidney Kelbrick. She was the second of three children.

Janet loved being outdoors, especially in her garden, visiting with family and friends, learning all she could about the gospel, and painting.

Janet's life was a journey of faith, family, and creative expression. After immigrating to Canada, New Zealand, and then California, she enrolled at Brigham Young University to pursue her passion for art. It was during a summer visit home that she attended an M-Men and Gleaner fireside where she met the love of her life, Dee Holt Gwilliam. After a year of correspondence, they were married for time and all eternity on August 23, 1960 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.

Janet was always active in the many callings she received in the LDS church, from Primary to Young Women to Relief Society, as well as activities committee.

She was talented at playing the piano and organ and her musical talents were used many times.

Dee and Janet also enjoyed being involved with the stage. They wrote scripts, made scenery, and acted in many productions. Because of Dee's sign painting abilities, they were called on an LDS mission to Nauvoo, Illinois in 2001 to take part in the Nauvoo temple restoration where Dee hand painted many of the signs. While on their mission, their theatrical talents were put to great use performing for other missionaries and visitors.

Janet will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, faith, her artistic spirit, and her amazing work ethic.

Janet is survived by her children; Sherri Dee (Cleve) Bohne, Janet LeeAnn (James) Moffett, and Scott Gwilliam, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, as well as her two sisters Lorna Murfitt and Hazel Howle. Janet was preceded in death by her loving husband Dee and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at the Premier Funeral Home in Midvale, on September 12th at 10:00 am, with the viewing at 9:00 am.