Jennie B. (Tharp) Whiting

Jennie B. (Tharp) Whiting was born Feb. 22, 1915, widow of Shelby Preston Jr., died Dec. 14, 2013 at the age of 98. She was also preceeded in death by her infant son, Bobby Whiting; parents, Ophelia Porter (Morgan) and Alvin Amos Tharp; sisters, Dee Miller, Betty Lee Best, Hallie Krablin, and Hollis Krablin; brothers, Jim and Henry Tharp; son-in-laws, Robbie Davis and Jimmy Hackney; and granddaughter, Joy Bowers. Survivors include: son, Buddy (Pat) Whiting; daughters, Shelby Jean (Rudy) Osborne, Margie (Zack) Roushall, Carolyn (Mike) Bell, Libby Davis, and Sherry Hackney; grandchildren, John (Dawn) Whiting, Mike Whiting, Russell Whiting, Tracy (Bryan) Russell, Dana and Buddy Roushal, Kelly Davis, Greg (Julie) Hackney, Chris (Chasty) Hackney, Josh (Stephanie) Hackney; 21 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; plus numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Through the years Jennie would become known as Mrs. Jennie, Aunt Jennie, and Me Maw. Before age crept upon her and affected her vision and hearing she liked to read her Bible, hunt, fish, and quilt. She had a passion for writing religious songs and loved to play her guitar and sing those songs at the Nazarene Church in Nady. On several occasions she was invited to play and sing at churches in Gillett and DeWitt. She was also known in the community for her fried pies. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at DeWitt hospital for all their kindness and tender care given to our precious Mother while under their care. A special thanks to Dr. Burleson for his many years of service as her family physician; Crickett Whiting, Debbie Bohnert, Peggy Smith, and Jeanell Shelton for their unconditional love; to Brother Ken and Charlotte Mitchell, Larry Wallace, and the whole community for their prayers, love, compassion, and support. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Essex Funeral Home Chapel in DeWitt. Burial at Hockenberry Cemetery.