Janice Lynn Reed

Janice Lynn (Von Behrens) Reed, 75, of Mattoon, IL, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025, at her home in rural Mattoon.

She was born on December 10, 1949, in Mattoon, IL, the daughter of Harold Edward and Marjorie Louise (Shadwick) Von Behrens. After graduating from Mattoon High School in 1967, she went on to study English at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, IL.

Janice is survived by her loving companion of 25 years, Tom Jones; her two children, Kris Bott and her husband Sean of Arcola, IL, and Matt Reed and his wife Lori of Tuscola, IL; five grandchildren, Tyler Bugos and his wife Caitlin of Mattoon, IL, Dylan Bugos and his companion Andersen Patty-G’Sell of St. Louis, MO, Jeffrey Reed of Kokomo, IN, Myles Bott of Arcola, IL, and Amelia Reed of Tuscola, IL; and one great-grandchild, Oakley Lennon Bott of Arcola, IL. She is also survived by her brother, Terry Von Behrens of Humboldt, IL, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She will also be deeply missed by Tom’s children, Andrew Jones and his wife Nata of Atlanta, GA, and Ingrid Jones-Hessey and her husband Richard of High Springs, FL; along with his grandchildren, Abbey and Zoey Hessey of High Springs, FL, and Alex Jones of Atlanta, GA.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Marjorie Von Behrens.

She dedicated over 27 years of service as an Administrative Assistant at Humboldt Elementary School and Arland D. Williams Elementary before retiring in 2015. She formerly held offices in the Tri-Epsilon Sorority and the Mattoon PTA, where she was an active volunteer for many years.

Janice had a love for traveling. She and Tom embarked on many exciting adventures together, visiting Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; Nova Scotia, Canada; Barcelona, Spain; Maui, Hawaii; Cancun, Mexico; and Alaska. Saint Augustine, FL, was especially meaningful to them. They also explored the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, among many other destinations.

She had a passion for photography and took great joy in capturing memories of their travels. Seeing her grandchildren perform in their musical events brought her great joy and pride. She was their biggest fan and would often joke that she was the source of their talent. Janice cherished every moment spent with family and friends—whether it was laughing together on summer evenings while sitting on the deck, enjoying girls’ trips, or hosting her famous Halloween parties for her family. Always the life of the party, her infectious laugh and vibrant spirit will be dearly missed by many. 

A Celebration of Janice’s Life will be held from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Warren James Winery, 5600 Lerna Road, Mattoon, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the library fund at Arland D. Williams Elementary. Mattoon Community Unit School District 2, 1701 Charleston Ave., Mattoon, IL 61938 (℅ Ryan Ghere.)