Jane M. Williams

Jane Miriam Williams, 75, of Urbana, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Tuscola, IL. She was born in Crickhowell, Wales, on March 27, 1950, the daughter of William P. and Johana L. (Schuyten) Williams.

Jane is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Edward Betz of Urbana, IL; children, Emily Jane Betz of Chicago, IL, and Adam Thomas Betz of Urbana, IL; siblings, Ann (David) Lyzenga of Ann Arbor, MI, Marjorie (John) Edwards of Grand Rapids, MI, and John (Dawn) Williams of Grand Rapids, MI.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gwyn (Ike) White.

For many years, Jane served as a trustee on the Urbana Free Library Board. Her tenure was one of the longest on that board, a time which she treasured.

Jane received her B.A. from Eastern Michigan University, her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School, and her masters in Library Science from Wayne State. Her commitment to librarianship in a legal environment led her to the University of Illinois College of Law Albert Jenner Library, where she worked as an international law librarian until 2016. During these years as a law librarian, she dedicated her long-time love of Slavic language and culture to building an outstanding collection of Eastern European legal materials, which is a mainstay for interested students, faculty, and staff. During these years, she visited many countries, exchanging ideas, studying languages, and learning about various legal systems, knowledge which she put to use in her personal and professional life. She was a devoted mentor to many library interns who went on to have successful careers as library directors. Her lifelong love of learning, culture, and language profoundly influenced her family.

In 2016, Jane suffered a massive stroke that left her debilitated, but her mind remained active. Although she retired thereafter, her love of Russian history and literature, Slavic culture, and current events continued. She defeated all medical expectations by surviving well past the maximum five years forecast by her neurologist. She enjoyed travels to Michigan, Maryland, and Hawaii. Although her last years of her life were challenging, she was able to enjoy many passions and deepen her relationships with close family. Jane is remembered for her remarkable strength, patience, and loving kindness.

At Jane's request, there will be no formal funeral service. However, a celebration will be arranged at a later date. You may honor Jane by treasuring one another.

Donations to the Urbana Free Library Foundation are always welcome.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Champaign Chapel is honored to assist Jane’s family with funeral arrangements.

Please join Jane’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.