C. Jean Whitman went home to be with the Lord on March 17, 2014. Born in Friendship, NY on January 14, 1929, the youngest of 8 children, Jean graduated from Richburg Central School, and attended Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, NY. She married Rev. George P. Whitman during his first pastorate in 1947, enjoying 64 years of marriage before the Lord called him home. Jean lived a life dedicated to serving her Lord and Savior, wholly committed to serving others. An accomplished pianist, Jean provided accompaniment, taught piano, led orchestra, played organ, and taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School in all of the churches where they served, from Mosiertown and Edinboro, PA to Carlisle, New Berlin, and Latham, NY. Jean was instrumental in organizing a ministry for people with special needs at Berean Baptist Church in New Berlin. She also served as Accountant to Latham Bible Baptist Church and Latham Christian Academy, and established the school’s library system, spending countless hours categorizing books. In her later years, she played piano for special events at the Sleepy Hollow Mobile Home Estates in Zephyrhills, FL, where she spent winters with her husband. Her places of employment include New Berlin Central School, Nemith Motors and Skaarland Construction. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her beloved family, cherished friends, and those whose lives she touched.
Jean Whitman is survived by her children, Fred (Rachel) Whitman, Lois (Dennis) Murray, Duane (Jeanne) Whitman, Rebecca (Terry ) Bice, James (Gaile) Whitman, Dorcas (Doug) McKinney and Dwight (Brenda) Whitman; her sisters, Lucille Baldwin and Laura Smith-Curtis; 23 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 13 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents Lavern and Jennie (Pierce) Wightman, and siblings Howard, Marguerite, Edward, Donald and Lulu.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Friday, March 21, 5-8 p.m. at Bowen & Parker Brothers Funeral Home, 97 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Her memorial service will be Saturday, March 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Latham Bible Baptist Church, 495 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Latham, NY. Those wishing to remember Mrs. C. Jean Whitman in a special way may make a donation to Latham Bible Baptist Church or Latham Christian Academy, both located at 495 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For directions and condolence book, please visit www.bowenandparkerbros.com.