Jill Arline Majors

In Loving Memory of Jill Arline Majors
April 25, 1944 – October 22, 2025
Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend Jill Arline Majors was called to the Lord on October 22, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by her adoring children. After a courageous and faith-filled battle with cancer, Jill peacefully succumbed to her illness, showing grace, strength, and love until her final moments.
Born Jill Arline Whiteley on April 25, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the cherished daughter of Thomas Clayton and Arline Gladys Whiteley. Jill's life was filled with faith, adventure, and an unwavering love for family and friends. A devoted Catholic and prayer warrior, she lived her life guided by forgiveness, loyalty, gratitude, and service to others.
At the age of five, Jill moved with her family to Evanston, Illinois, where she spent her childhood exploring Lincoln Park Zoo and splashing in Buckingham Fountain with her brothers and sister. When she was fourteen, the family relocated to Glendale, California, where Jill attended high school and began to build a life filled with purpose and connection.
After marrying, Jill eventually settled in the San Francisco East Bay, where she made her home in Danville. There she raised her three beloved children - Michael, Michelle, and Garrett - and became an active member of the community. She served as a Girl Scout leader, CCD teacher, PTA president, and volunteered with the Women's Prison Ministry, Crusillo, WINGS,and many other bible study groups, always giving her time and heart to those around her.
Jill returned to college at age 50 to earn her degree and fulfill her dream of becoming a travel agent, a role that perfectly matched her adventurous spirit and love of people. She traveled the world - from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the beaches of Maui, her favorite destination - and built friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Known affectionately by her family as, "Jillsey", "Mimi" or "The Queen", Jill's zest for life was contagious. She loved travel, her red convertible, Dancing with the Stars, bridge nights ( with the same group for over 50 years), movies on the big screen, Jimmy Fallon, Jeopardy, and the thrill of a good casino outing. She was a loyal friend, an avid reader, and a holiday enthusiast. Her holiday turkey, gravy and stuffing will be missed by many. She brought people together, making every gathering sparkle with laughter, good food, and life long friends.
Above all, Jill's proudest role was that of mother and grandmother. She loved and adored her children but especially her grandchildren -Lauren, Matthew, Drew, Sam, and Miya - and found endless joy in watching them grow and taking them on trips. They were her pride and joy. Her move to Naperville, IL, in 2020 was a testament to her desire to be closer to them. Her family will forever remember her selflessness, her sense of humor, strong will and her ability to make everyone feel loved and seen.
Jill is survived by her brother Gil, her loving children Michael Majors II, Michelle (Robert) Murphy, and Garrett Majors, her dear daughter-in-law Kimiko Majors, her sister-in-law Jean Whiteley, and many adoring nieces, nephews, and friends who cherished her deeply. She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Larry, Thomas, William, Mary, James and Clayton; and her granddaughter Lauren.
Jill's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her generosity, faith, and unshakable spirit. Even in her illness, she remained a source of comfort and courage to those around her - a true testament to the strength of her faith and love. Her laughter, warmth, and light will be missed beyond measure.
A Mass for Jill will be held on Thursday, November 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held in California at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Jill requested that donations be made to Wings Program, Inc, a Chicago based program which provides housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence wingsprogram.com/donate or mailed to PO Box 95615, Palatine, IL 60095 simply shared through an act of kindness.
The service will be streamed at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/8rE420psWWQ?feature=share