Paul and Janet Gill Obituary (2025)

Obituary for Paul Alan Gill and Janet Faye Richardson Gill Paul Alan Gill November 9, 1938 – August 28, 2025 Janet Faye Richardson Gill February 8, 1939 – August 31, 2025 Paul Alan Gill, 86, of Bloomington-Normal, IL, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025. Just three days later, his beloved wife of 66 years, Janet Faye Richardson Gill, also 86, joined him on August 31, 2025. Paul was born on November 9, 1938, in Golden Gate, Illinois, and grew up in southern Illinois. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Southern Illinois University (SIU), later completing a master’s degree and pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Illinois before returning to SIU to teach. Jan was born on February 8, 1939, in Centralia, Illinois, where she also received her early education. She went on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from Illinois State University. Jan devoted nearly 20 years to teaching home economics at both the high school and college levels. Paul supported local farmers with tax and business management services. He was invited to Romania to aid farming efforts in the emerging democracy. Jan was a talented seamstress, known for designing and altering dresses, gowns, and other garments with creativity and care. She was a devoted member and leader of many local organizations including UM Women of Faith and PEO. Paul and Jan were married on June 21, 1959, in Carbondale, IL. Together, they built a life centered on partnership, service, and faith. They raised three children: Alan (Julie) Gill of Greensboro, NC; the late Lori (James) Conner; and Sara (Stuart) Collard of Ballground, GA. Later in life, Paul and Jan co-founded Tax Time, a tax and accounting business they operated for 25 years in McLean County. Through this work, they became trusted advisors and cherished friends to many in the community. Faith was the cornerstone of their lives. Since moving to Bloomington-Normal in 1963, they were devoted members of Wesley United Methodist Church. Paul and Jan sang in the church choir for 62 years and served on numerous leadership committees. Their deep faith, lived daily through acts of service and love, was an inspiration to all who knew them. Paul and Jan found great joy in their family. They are survived by their children, five grandchildren: Timothy (Jenni) Conner, Zachary (Molly) Conner, Emily (Brian) Flowers, Jonathan (Rylee) Ocker, and Mattie Ocker; and three great-grandchildren: Henry Conner, June Ocker, and Weston Ocker. They were preceded in death by their daughter, Lori Conner; Paul’s sister, Lily Ann (William) Browning; and Jan’s brother, Phillip Richardson. A celebration of their lives will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4th, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, IL. Visitation with the family will take place at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington, IL.