Jeanine Dorothy Millikan

Jeanine Dorothy Johnson came into this world in Chicago, IL on June 8, 1939. She left us on February 21, 2025. Her parents were James and Rose Johnson, and she has a sister who is 3 years older, Patricia. They lived in a small apartment on the south side of Chicago where she and Pat shared the only bedroom, and their parents slept in the living room on the pull-out couch. She and her sister rode their bike (they had only one), played in the local organized summer activities and attended school while mom and dad worked hard to support the family. Both girls graduated from their local high school and Jeanine was fortunate enough to attend college for one year. She went to Monmouth College, a small liberal arts college in Western Illinois, hoping to major in physical education. At Monmouth, she joined a sorority, had lots of college adventures and met her future husband, Larry. She and Larry married in August of 1960 at a traditional wedding in her family church.
Larry attended medical school during which time he and Jeanine had 2 children: Marshall who was born 6/20/62 with Becky arriving 4/20/65. Larry joined the Navy, and the family was the typical military family,moving several times. They lived in Rhode Island, Florida, Michigan and Missouri, just to name a few.
Besides raising 2 children and running a household, Jeanine battled severe Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was in her early 20’s (or possibly earlier). She never complained about her lot in life and did not let the illness slow her down. She finished a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology in the 1970’s while living in Columbia, MO. She volunteered at food pantries and libraries and also tutored several students. She worked several part-time jobs. Her favorite job was working at the library in Covington, LA where she made some very close friends.
She and Larry were attendees and members of the Methodist Church, and they were as active as they could be with their church family.
Jeanine was always engaged in life and supportive of her family and friends. She was always a positive influence in all aspects of life. Despite her very poor physical condition, she was always upbeat and truly appreciated the beauty and mystery of life. Her quiet strength, dignity and love for ALL will be missed.

She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Larry, her children son Marshall Millikan (Suwanee) and wife Pam, daughter Becky Rizor (Colorado) and husband Jim. Her older sister Patricia Picard still lives on the South side of Chicago. Jeanine also leaves behind beloved nieces Lynn Picard Binder (Colorado) and husband Kevin; Diane Picard Urhausen (Chicago) and husband Dave and Kathi Picard who is also in the Chicago area. She leaves her grandchildren (oldest to youngest) Kendra Rizor Wilson (Idaho) and husband Rhys, Briana Rizor Smith (Wyoming) and husband Kyle, Mattie Millikan Downs (Florida) and husband Walker and Morgan Millikan (Alabama). She also leaves behind great grandchildren (oldest to youngest) Aubrey (Wyoming), Luke (Idaho) and Sydney (Idaho).

Let us all strive to follow her example of love for all, acceptance with joy in our life’s journey and the desire for peace in our world.

A celebration of life will be held at Bethelview United Methodist Church in Cumming on Saturday March 15 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to:
Trinidad Animal Shelter
1921 E Main St
Trinidad, CO 81082
(Niece Lynn has been heavily involved here for years)

Monmouth College
700 E Broadway
Monmouth, IL 61462

Bethelview United Methodist Church
4525 Bethelview Rd
Cumming, GA 30040