Janet Williams of Mexico passed away peacefully on Friday Oct. 30, 2020 with her family by her side.
Janet was born on Sept. 3, 1942 in Mexico to Manuel and Opal (Horton) Thurman of rural Vandalia. She attended Van Far High School and graduated in 1960. She married Norman Williams of Benton City at Mt. Olivet Presbyterian Church in rural Vandalia. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
Janet is survived by her husband, Norman; three sons, Kevin Williams of Portland, Oregon, Jim
Williams (Kristi Kessler-Williams) of Mexico and John Williams (Amy Azdell Williams) of Mexico; five Grandchildren, Hannah, Alec, Graham, Ian and Madeline, all of Mexico; two sisters, Arliene (Roger) Woodward and Julia (James) Cummins; and one brother, Kenneth (Lynda) Thurman, all of Vandalia. She is also survived by their dog, Muggsy; and cat, Tom.
Janet worked for the A.P. Green Refractory Company for over 25 years in the Research Department as an Executive Secretary. She made many friendships during those years that lasted a lifetime. After retiring from A.P. Green, she worked for the University of Missouri at the Veteran's Administration coordinating conferences for Parkinson's Disease Research. She always took great pride in the quality of her work.
Janet was an avid gardener, and had a green thumb second to none. She could identify a plant from 100 paces, and was always sharing her seeds and starts with anyone who showed an interest. She had several multi-generational hibiscus and lilacs around the house that were shared with loved ones. She has several 100+ year old plants still going strong.
One of her biggest sources of pride are her grandchildren. She and Norman often took them on adventures around the area. The grandkids spent many days with them as well, playing, cooking and generally having fun and creating havoc.
Both Janet and Norman were active in the Missouri chapter of the Red Power, a group dedicated to International Harvester tractors and implements, attending several roundups throughout the Midwest. She held the office of secretary, being responsible for the newsletters and other activities.
It was no secret that Janet was a type 1 diabetic. When she visited her doctor, he would bring students into the room to teach them that it is possible to live with type 1 for over 55 years without any serious complications. She was always available to help educate anyone who wanted to learn how to live with type 1. She spent several years volunteering with the American Diabetes Association.
Janet was a big fan of the St Louis Cardinals baseball team and enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She was never a stranger to anyone and will be missed by all.
A small family gathering and burial will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Benton City Cemetery. A celebration of life will occur later in the spring as she requested. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to diabetes research by contacting the American Diabetes Association.
Arnold Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
