Jean Marie Whaley Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jean M. Whaley, age 78, of Effingham, IL, formerly of Mount Pleasant, IA, passed away peacefully with her family near at 9:12 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2020, at the home of her daughter, Cathy Anderson of Marion, IL. She was born on Tuesday, July 7, 1942, at home in Hedrick, IA, the daughter of Floyd Thomas and Aletha Mae (Allen) Collett. Jean grew up in Fairfield, IA and was a graduate of Fairfield High School Class of 1960. Shortly after graduation she was united in marriage to Gary D. Whaley on Friday, June 10, 1960, in at the Open Bible Church of Mount Pleasant, IA, and together they shared over 58 years of marriage until his death on Friday, January 11, 2019. Jean worked as a Site Manager for the Senior Center in Mount Pleasant, IA, from 1976 until 1994. She also served as bookkeeper for 33 years for her husband who owned Gary’s Shell and later Whaley’s Sinclair Service Stations in Mount Pleasant, IA. In 1994, they moved to Effingham, IL to be near their family. In Effingham, she worked at the Petro Stopping Center in Effingham, as a cashier and later bookkeeper for 4 years before beginning her role as Case Manager for the Effingham City/County Committee Agency on Aging until her retirement in 2012. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Louisville, IL, where she sang in the choir and was always volunteering to serve to help others. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, attending church functions and playing pinochle. She was very compassionate and was willing to help others anytime when she saw there was a need. Her family was a very important part of her life, especially her grandchildren, and loved spending time with them. Now those she leaves behind will cherish the many memories created. She is survived by her three children: two daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and Dave Anderson of Marion, IL and Tiffany and Pete Balotti of Grand Prairie, TX and son, Steve Whaley of Pekin, IL; eight grandchildren, Emily Byrne and husband, Adam of Knoxville, TN, Haley Anderson of Marion, IL, Shelby Anderson of Carbondale, IL, Laura Whaley of Mount Pleasant, IA, Matthew Whaley and wife, Danyelle of North Liberty, IA, Jessica Whaley of Mount Pleasant, IA, Perrin Balotti of Grand Prairie, TX and Collette Balotti of Grand Prairie, TX; five great grandchildren, Benaiah Wade Byrne, Grady Dean Boyer, Hadlynn Reighn Armitage, Liam Russell Whaley and Avery Irelyn Whaley; sister, Ann Sourwine of Mount Pleasant, IA; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold and Diana Collett of Mount Pleasant, IA and Harry Duane and Konnie Collett of St. Peters, MO; two twin sisters-in-law, Joyce Stevens of Mount Pleasant, IA and Janice Sinclair of New London, IA, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Gary. A visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, at the First Baptist Church of Louisville, located at 210 North Church Street, Louisville, IL. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute featuring special people, places and events in Jean’s life was presented to her family and friends. Immediately following the visitation, the funeral service was held at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Kelly Carruthers and Jean’s son-in-law, Dave Anderson presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Rose Fields. Special vocal congregational hymns presented during the service were “Victory In Jesus” and “What a Day That Will Be” led by Steve Jennings with pianist, Rose Fields accompanying. Special vocal musical selections also presented were “Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone” by Steve Jennings with pianist, Rose Fields accompanying and “How Great Thou Art” by Nicky Collett with recorded accompaniment. A testimony and comments of memory was presented by Jean’s brother, Duane Collett. Pallbearers were Dave Anderson, Kenny Krantz, Dave Collett, Pete Balotti, Bryan Fleener and Tom Collett. Following the service the family and friends gathered in the fellowship hall of the church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. Interment followed next to her husband, Gary, on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at New Richwoods Cemetery, just northwest of Mount Pleasant, IA, on Franklin Avenue, with Jean’s son-in-law, Dave Anderson presiding. Those who attended the graveside committal service gathered at the cemetery prior to 1:00 p.m. Following the graveside committal service the family and friends gathered at the First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant, IA, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to the “First Baptist Church of Louisville”. Memorial envelopes were available at the church and funeral home. Memorial contributions were mailed to: Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, it was recommended if you were planning on attending the visitation or service please wear a mask and social distance yourself from others.

Jean Marie Whaley

July 7, 1942 - July 10, 2020