MENDOTA – Jennifer Jayne Miller, 63, of Mendota, passed away on Dec. 23, 2024, at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, after a bravely fought battle with illness. Jennifer referred to herself as a sojourner passing through this world and is now finally home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jennifer's Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, at Victory Baptist Church in Mendota, led by her nephew, Pastor Jay Miller. Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate her life, share cherished memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was. Her remains will be laid to rest at a later date at Restland Cemetery in Mendota.
Jennifer was born on Sept. 4, 1961, in Elgin, and her life was full of laughter, creativity, and a passion for helping others.
She is survived by her three siblings, Lauren (Dave) Kurpius, Caroline Miller, and Fred (Julie) Miller. Jennifer's legacy continues through her nieces and nephews, Jay (Amber) Miller, and Stephanie (Ian) Rawson, Renae (Eric) Pillar, and Katey Kurpius. She was also a proud aunt to great-nieces and great-nephews, Hanna Miller, Justin Miller, and Nikolai Miller. Jennifer had a special affection for her furry nieces and nephews — Leia, Buttercup, and Robin - and absolutely adored receiving pictures of these little pups.
Jennifer was the daughter of Frederick and Mildred Miller, who preceded her in death, along with her brother, Robert Miller.
A graduate of Genoa-Kingston High School and Northern Illinois University, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She led a diverse career in customer service and administration. She was a dedicated Customer Service Representative at JC Whitney, a Supervisor at the Northern Illinois University Public Opinion Lab, and held positions as a Billing Clerk at DHL and Customer Service Representative at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt among other office positions. She loved making new friends and often kept in touch with her former co-workers for years.
Jennifer had a fervent love for writing, which culminated in the publication of her own book, "To Walk with the Lord." Jenny was a dedicated mentor and the biggest cheerleader for her family and friends in their own writing endeavors.
One of the happiest days of her life was when she made a public declaration of her faith through baptism on June 8, 2013, surrounded by family and friends. In 2014, Jen moved to Mendota, and found her forever church home at Victory Baptist Church. Her church family lovingly referred to her as "Aunt Jen" and remembers her as a sweet and selfless woman who touched many lives. Aunt Jen loved to teach the kids during Huddle and VBS. She was involved in many ministries both inside and outside of her church. She especially loved being involved in prison ministry and sponsoring her child, Gemechis, through Compassion International.
Her vibrant personality and kind-hearted nature left a mark on everyone she met. Jennifer was known for her unwavering support of her family and friends, always offering a listening ear and being a selfless giver. Her laughter and warmth will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her.
As we say goodbye to Jennifer, we are reminded of the beautiful gift of her presence in our lives. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the stories she shared, the lives she touched, and the love she cultivated. Rest in peace, Aunt Jen; you are now walking with the Lord.
