Janis Kay York

Janis Kay York, 78, of Carmi, passed away on June 22, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Ind.

She was born on February 21, 1948, in Grayville the daughter of Jerrad and Betty (Knight) Michels. Jan married Ray York on June 30, 1973, and they shared over 45 years of marriage until his passing on March 25, 2019.

Jan had a love for education and shaping the minds of her students, it brought her so much joy keeping up with former students as they navigate their careers in life. She worked as a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson and Lincoln Schools in Carmi until she retired in 2005. Jan was a member of Ridge Baptist Church in Grayville, where she served as a pianist. Jan enjoyed playing the piano, attending any activity that involved her grandkids, but one of her greatest joys was documenting family gatherings and milestones, leaving behind a beautiful collection of memories.

Jan is survived by her children, Brooks (Anna) York of Carmi and Brent (Katie) York of Carmi; grandchildren, Cal (McKenna) York, Laney (Braden Thompson) York, Boone York, and Barrett York; sister, Lana (Stan) Coleman of Newark, Ohio; honorary sister, Margaret Hughes of Hickory, Ky.; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerrad and Betty Michels and her husband, Ray York.

Funeral Services for Janis Kay York, 78, of Carmi were held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial was in McIntosh Cemetery in Enfield.

Visitation was held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 4 until 7 p.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jan’s memory to Ridge Baptist Church for their Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821.