Janet L. Winningham

ARTHUR - Janet L. (Jurgens) Winningham, 87, of Arthur took the hand of her Lord and savior, Jesus, surrounded by her loving family, at 8:31 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at home. We are heartbroken by her passing but celebrate her wonderful life.

A memorial service honoring Janet's life will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Edwards Funeral Home, 221 E. Main St., Arcola. Visitation will be two hours before the service.

Janet was born Aug. 1, 1937, to Ervin and Dorothy (Farnsworth) Jurgens. She graduated from Arthur High School in 1955 and Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., in 1957 and attended the University of Southern California.

While attending USC, she met the love of her life, Jim Winningham. They were married on Aug. 21, 1958, and were married for 60 years.

Janet loved hosting pool parties for family and friends when their kids were growing up. She helped with the Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Queen pageant for many years using the modeling knowledge she acquired while attending Stephens College.

Janet loved fashion and always wanted to make a statement with her outfits. She was also very successful in network marketing and was rewarded with a car and many exciting trips. She and Jim were a great team.

She served on the board of directors at the State Bank of Arthur for many years. She loved hosting Bible studies in her home, and she worked to inspire the love for Jesus in others. Janet's kindness and generosity touched the lives of everyone she met.

She loved Jesus, her family and friends, and especially her great-grandchildren, whom she loved spending time with.

Janet is survived by a son, Rick (Gale) Winningham; a daughter, Rhonda (Mike) Aikman; seven grandchildren, James (Kelsey) Aikman, Rachel (Andrew) McDonald, Andrew (Julia) Aikman, Kyle (Allie) Winningham, Joe (Shannon) Winningham, Robert (Ericka) Aikman and Grace Winningham; and 14 great-grandchildren, Adabelle McDonald, Asa Aikman, Averick McDonald, Arleigh McDonald, Lucia Aikman, Charles Winningham, Benaiah Aikman, Andrea Aikman, Sofia Aikman, Lila Winningham, Aden Aikman, Roman Aikman, Walker Aikman and Chloe Winningham. What a legacy!

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and brother, Jim Jurgens.

Memorial contributions in Janet's name may be made to S.A.B.L.E. Inc., a nonprofit organization created to help provide food, homes and care for animals in need, at 125 N County Road 425 East, Arcola, IL 61910.

We invite all those who knew and loved Janet to join us in honoring her life. We are grateful for the love and support of our friends and family during this difficult time.