Obituary of Billie Jean Whitney (Wheat)

Billie Jean Whitney, age 88, died Saturday, November 12 in Viera, FL.  Jean was born in Scottsville, KY to Cubie and Janie Carver (Eaton)  She is survived by daughter Donna Reekie (Rick) of Highland Village, TX, daughter Danna Tahmassebi (Robert) of Melbourne, FL, son Mark Whitney (Jenna) of Arnold, MD, 6 grandchildren – Jenna Rowley (Drew), Michael Reekie (Rachael), Robin Perez (Kevin), Emily Tahmassebi, Sophia Whitney, and Nolan Whitney, and 4 great-grandchildren – Rhett Rowley, Tate Rowley, Alice Reekie, and Shiah Perez.

Jean had fought a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's.  Despite this difficult struggle, Jean was known even in the later years of her life for having an incredible sense of humor and a special way of endearing herself to those around her.  This is not surprising, since she had always found a way of connecting with others, especially the most vulnerable and needy.  She had a long history of helping others -- serving as a volunteer school nurse and Girl Scout leader when her children were younger, later delivering meals to the needy, adopting nursing home residents whom she visited regularly, and serving the church in many capacities.  Jean had a special gift with children, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had an incredibly giving heart, especially for the very young and very old.  All of her grandchildren knew they could count on her, and she had a special connection with each one of them.  For a short period of her life, Jean was a school bus driver.  The children who rode her bus adored her, and she adored them as well.   One of her favorite ways of serving the church was to volunteer to watch the babies and toddlers in the church nursery, which was a true labor of love for her. 

Everyone who met Jean was guaranteed to have more laughter and fun in their life.  For that reason, Jean had numerous lifelong friends, many of whom have passed before her.  The family finds comfort in knowing that she was a faithful Christian, and we rest assured in the knowledge that she is enjoying eternal peace and happiness alongside her husband, who loved her immeasurably throughout their long marriage.   While she will be greatly missed by those she left behind, her family has no doubt that she has already been met by a multitude of loving friends and relatives in her heavenly home.  A memorial service will be held on December 28, followed by internment at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.