Karen J. Miller

CHARLESTON, IL – Karen Jennings Miller, age 80, of Charleston and formerly of Delaware, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 16, 2020 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Avenue in Charleston with Father Braden Maher officiating.   Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Paris, Illinois.  Memorials in her honor may be made to St. Hedwig Haus of Hospitality and left at the visitation/funeral mass or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Karen was born April 12, 1939 in Paris, Illinois, the daughter of the late Lyell and Annette “Lucy” (Pasero) Jennings.  She was a 1957 graduate of Paris High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware and a Master’s Degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, where she had also completed work toward a PhD.  Prior to her retirement, Karen was employed by the State of Delaware as a grant writer for the City of Wilmington Public Schools and before that was a Philosophy Professor at Delaware State College.

Karen is survived by her children, Kathy (Bob) Zuniga and Scott (Christy) Miller, all of Charleston; two grandchildren, Bobby Miller and Emily Zuniga, both of Charleston; and a great-grandchild, Copey McCullough.  She is also survived by three sisters, Elizabeth Jennings of Wilmington, Delaware, Clare (Brad) Eldredge of St. Charles, Missouri and Anne Jennings of Charleston, South Carolina; a brother, Mike Jennings of Paris, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.  She was preceded by a sister, Lynn Wolf and a brother, Lyell Jennings.

Karen was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston.  She had a servant’s heart and loved helping others.  If she had the resources to help someone – she did.  Serving as a member of the Board of Directors for St. Hedwig Haus of Hospitality and as an Associate with the Dominican Sisters of Springfield allowed her to continue to help those less fortunate.  As a political activist, her love for conversation and the ability to talk with anyone was truly an asset.  Living on the east coast for many years, she and other family members shared a love for the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, attending several games a year.  Karen also was an avid reader, loved to watch movies, and celebrate the holidays.  This past Christmas she hosted a Christmas Party in her apartment for all the residents at Brookstone.  She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and found great enjoyment in spending time with her great-granddaughter, Copey.  Karen was a kind and generous soul who will be truly missed by her family and friends.

FUNERAL MASS
The Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Karen J. Miller was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Charleston with Father Braden Maher officiating.  Roy Lanham served as the Lector.  Pianist, Glenda Murphy and Violinist, Terry Coulton, accompanied the Cantor, Jan Ziebka who led the congregational hymns of "All Saints Day", "Be Not Afraid", "Here I Am Lord", "Let There Be Peace on Earth", "Prayer of St. Francis", "Shepherd Me, O God" and "Song of Farewell".  Pall Attendants were Charmaine Owens and Corinne Joyner, Ushers were Dan Ensign and Ray Kuznicki and Megan Hussey served as Registry Hostess.  Burial followed at St. Mary Cemetery  in Paris, Illinois.  Pallbearers were: Scott Miller, Christy Miller, Emily Zuniga, Bob Zuniga, Bobby Miller, Roy Lanham, and Brad Eldredge.  Honorary Pallbearer was Craig Stefanisko.
 

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