Jean Whitfield
March 7, 1945 ~ August 30, 2023
Gloria "Jean" Whitfield, of Neches, Texas, was surrounded by her devoted family when she was called home to live with her loving Lord and Savior in Heaven on Wednesday, the 30th day of August 2023. Jean passed away after a brave battle with cancer at the age of 78. She was born on the 7th day of March 1945 to parents Guy Cox and Ida Tilghman Cox.
Born in Salisbury, Maryland, Jean graduated from Baker High School before she met and married her devoted husband of 60 years, Jerry Whitfield. Their union brought forth their children, who were a source of immense pride and joy for Jean. Her love was further multiplied through her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored and showered with affection.
Jean's career spanned 36 years as a custodian at Neches I.S.D., where she was more than an employee; she was a part of a second family. Her love for the school and the children was evident in her dedication and commitment to her work. She was a constant source of encouragement and support to the students, often going beyond her duties to ensure their well-being. Jean was also a proud member of Neches Baptist Church, and her faith was a guiding force in her life. Her spiritual strength was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Jean's interests were as diverse as her personality. She was an avid shopper, starting her Christmas shopping the day after Christmas, and spent the year meticulously selecting and wrapping gifts for her loved ones. Her generosity extended beyond her family to her friends, who were often recipients of her thoughtful gestures.
Jean was a woman of intuition, always seeming to know when someone needed a listening ear or a comforting word. She was a beacon of positivity, always busy with one project or another, her energy and enthusiasm infectious. Her radiant smile was a constant, a testament to her unwavering optimism and joy for life.
Above all, Jean was a loving, generous, and gentle soul. Her kindness and warmth resonated with all who had the fortune of knowing her. Her legacy of love and generosity will continue to live on through her family and the countless lives she touched.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Ida Cox, and her daughter, Treva Goforth.
Her memory will forever be cherished, and her life celebrated for the incredible woman she was. Jean's impact on the world was profound and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her including her husband, Jerry Whitfield; children, Troy Whitfield and wife Sharon, Todd Whitfield and wife Jennifer, Toby Whitfield, T.J. Whitfield and wife Jennifer, Trish Jacquet and husband Rob; son-in-law, Jeff Goforth; sister, Nancy Bradfield; brother, George Cox; fourteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Jean is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and a multitude of friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Jean Whitfield's life is to be conducted at half-past two o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 3rd day of September 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Bro. Charles Grasty officiating the service. Interment will follow in Rock Church Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Troy Whitfield, Todd Whitfield, Toby Whitfield, T.J. Whitfield, Jeff Whitfield, and Chance Wrinkle.
Funeral services for Gloria Jean Whitfield are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas
We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.
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Jean was always smiling and so very happy.
One heck of a sweet lady . You will be missed.
Brenda Gallup
A true example of the Proverbs 31 woman. Blessed to have known her.
Jean’s smile and enthusiasm could light up a room! I’ve never met anyone who was as loving, kind, and hardworking as Jean. I am so thankful that God put me in her path for so many years. I will cherish my memories until we meet again . â¤ï¸
This picture of Jeannie was how she looked when we worked together at Curtis Mathis in Athens, Tx. That was around 10/ 1963. Jerry was in military and Jeannie was living with his parents.
Then a few years ago my daughter was teaching at Neches and I got to see Jeannie but they called her Jean. It was good to see her.
Praying for Jerry and family!
Miss Jean was one great person. She was always on the run to take of all our students at NISD. She was dearly loved by many and one Great neighbor. May God bless your family with peace and comfort through this difficult time. Van, Patty, Morgan and Dax
The world lost a legend today. Mrs. Jean (Whitfield)was truly one-of-a-kind. If I remember right she started working at Neches Elementary school when I was in the first grade. Y’all I am 45 now… she retired only a couple of years ago. Mrs. Jean made herself a little office in her custodial closet. She always kept her desk so very neat. She had pictures of her kids and eventually grandkids on her desk and on the wall above her desk area. I am telling y’all there is no one on this planet who took more pride in our Neches Elementary School than Mrs. Jean. No one! No one has ever worked harder than she did. Her job performance was top notch and unmatched! When the new elementary school was completed (in 2010 I believe) she was so happy. Mrs Jean kept the new school looking new. You can walk in that schiol building right now and it looks brand new. And we have Mrs Jean to thank for that. Mrs Jean always walked with a purpose. She walked fast and with purpose. We can all learn a lesson from that. I remember going over to her home growing up. We were friends with her daughter Trish and ultimately ended up being her neighbor. I remember quizzing myself on the names of Mrs Jean’s kids from oldest to youngest. Troy-Todd-Treva-Toby-TJ-Trish. I thought it was so neat that all her kids’ names started with T and her and Mr Jerry’s started with J. As we became teenagers we spent a lot of time at her house. Later in life I had the distinct honor of becoming a coworker of Mrs Jean. She always checked on me. She would stop me in the hall or come in to my classroom just to make sure I was doing ok. She would always clean my desk and stack my papers in a nice, neat pile to make me feel better about my mess. I taught her granddaughter Zoey not once, but twice. Mrs Jean would always tell me what a great teacher I was for Zoey. Y’all- Mrs Jean was golden! She is the reason I now look left-right-and left again before I pull out of my driveway. Why? Because Mrs Jean could fly! She would zoom by so quick! She was a bat out of, well you know, when she drove. I saw her and Mr Jerry in Wal-Mart recently and I hugged their necks. I never thought that would be the last time I would talk to her. She will be missed. I will still look left-right- and left again every time I pull out of my driveway. Yes, out of habit, but I will remember Mrs Jean every time. The world lost a legend today and I am very sad about it.
Jean and I were best friends for so long. She made a place in my heart that will now be empty. her daughter and my daughter were best friends too! I remember loading up all the klds and head to the movies almost every week. Then we would take them out to eat (Taco Bell) we didn’t have much then. I remember have3 crawfish boils her family and mine. Those were sweet times.
Last time I saw her she told me even though we hadn’t seen each other in a while that she knew if she needed me she knew I would be there. And that was so true! I would have, but she never called……
Love and will miss you….
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.†—John 11:20-25.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family for this tremendous loss. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
The Ingram Family. .
My Condolences to The Family, May Jean Rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace.