Janet Burkhart

Janet Sue “MeMe” Burkhart, age 81, of Granite City, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Evercare of Jerseyville, Illinois. She was born on February 19, 1944, in Cuba, Missouri, the cherished daughter of the late George and Emma (Marmion) Warnhoff Sr.

On December 14, 1963, Janet Sue Warnhoff married the love of her life, Rev. James Reed Burkhart, at Second Baptist Church in Granite City, Illinois. Together, they shared fifty beautiful years of faith, laughter, travel and love before his passing on August 10, 2013.

A devoted servant of God, Janet was a long time member of Grace Baptist Church in Granite City, where she lovingly oversaw the nursery and preschool programs, as well as fulfilled church secretary roles. Her heart for children was unmatched—she ran a cherished in-home daycare for many years, treating every child who entered her care as one of her own. She was “MeMe” to many. 

After moving to Grafton to live with her daughter, Janet became a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, where she continued to joyfully serve the Lord.

Janet’s life was filled with joy, laughter, and boundless love. She never met a stranger and was always ready with a kind word, a warm smile, or a helping hand. To know her was to feel loved, uplifted, encouraged, and have a “MeMe”. Her faith, generosity, and gentle spirit touched countless lives and left an everlasting mark on everyone she met.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. James Burkhart; and her siblings, Melvyn Warnhoff, Gary Warnhoff, George Warnhoff Jr., and Glenda Schmitt.

She is survived by her loving children, Janis Christine (Ron) Brotherton of Grafton, IL, and James Ray (Brandy) Burkhart of Granite City, IL; her treasured grandchildren, Brittany (Donald) Pinnon-Becker, Johnna Pinnon, Brandon Burkhart, Wyatt Burkhart, Evelyn Brotherton; and her adored great-grandchildren, Christian Pinnon, and Aubrie Pinnon. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois.

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, also at Irwin Chapel, with Pastor Andre Dobson officiating. Janet will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at St. John Cemetery on Nameoki Road in Granite City, Illinois.

Janet’s favorite verse, and the words by which she lived her life, were from Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home