Jean M. Whaley (78) of Effingham, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, IA

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Published on July 14 2020 8:55 am

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 four 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 will be 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. Immediately following the visitation, the funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Kelly Carruthers and Jean’s son-in-law, Dave Anderson presiding. Interment will follow next to her husband, Gary, on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. in New Richwoods Cemetery, just northwest of Mount Pleasant, IA, on Franklin Avenue, with Jean’s son-in-law, Dave Anderson presiding. Those wishing to attend the graveside committal service should gather at the cemetery prior to 1:00 p.m.

For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to the “First Baptist Church of Louisville”. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church and funeral home. Memorial contributions may be mailed to: Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. To leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at wilsonmcreynolds.com or 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 is recommended if you are planning on attending the visitation or service please wear a mask and social distance yourself from others.