On March 15, 2025, the world lost a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Janice Hunter, a longtime resident of Walnut Hill, IL, passed away peacefully just one day shy of her 89th birthday. Her life was characterized by love, devotion, service to others, and a deep faith in God.
Born on March 16, 1936, in Boulder, Illinois, to Howard and Thelma (Jett) Perrine, Janice spent her life enriching the lives of those around her. A dedicated public servant, she worked for many years at the US Post Office, where she was known for her kindness and dedication to her community. Her heart for service extended beyond her work; Janice was a foster mother for 36 years, providing a loving home to countless children in need. She was a faithful member of the New Life Church in Salem, Illinois, where she found spiritual nourishment and community. She was also an avid reader, often finding solace and joy in the pages of a good book. Janice Hunter exemplified a life well-lived, marked by compassion, strength, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her
Janice’s legacy is carried on by her six devoted children: Judith A. Fitzpatrick and husband Gary of Gulfport, Mississippi, David G. Hunter and wife Karen of St. Peter, Illinois, Paul Hunter and wife Patricia of Breese, Illinois, Lola A. Lyberger of Kell, Illinois, Sandra Davis and husband Paul of Hoyleton, Illinois, and James Hunter of Walnut Hill, Illinois. She was the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren: Ryan, Chris, Kyle, Kevin, Sam, Stephanie, Ian, Alex, Shawn, Shane, Andrew, Megan, and Ethan. Her love extended to her 9 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.
Janice also leaves behind her two sisters, Shirley Burkhardt and husband Robert of Homassasa, Florida, and Brenda Dinsdale and husband Tom of Lairs Berg, Iowa, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, William I. Hunter, and her parents, Howard and Thelma Perrine.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service to celebrate Janice’s remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, with Pastor Claude Howell officiating. Following the service, Janice will be laid to rest at Harrison Cemetery in Patoka. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation on Tuesday morning from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Janice’s family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Oilbelt Christian Camp and/or the New Life Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, who is honored to be of service to the Hunter family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
