Jean Whitfield

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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean Whitfield, please visit our floral store.