Jean Whittington, age 81, of Mount Vernon, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
She was born on August 22, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Richard D. and Olive (Warrick) Taneyhill. Jean was raised in a loving home and cherished the many special friendships she formed growing up. She took great pride in her schoolwork and
was especially honored by a special award she received during her early school years.
Jean married the love of her life, Tom, on September 10, 1962, at the young age of 18. The two met while attending Newark High School, from which Jean graduated earlier that year. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage before Tom’s passing in 2005.
While raising their daughters, Jean worked for the Newark school system and also provided in-home daycare. She had a servant’s heart and found joy in caring for others. Jean treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had countless friends, loved visiting with others, chatting on the phone, and helping whenever she could. A talented bargain hunter, Jean was a master of thrift store finds and took great delight in discovering a good deal. Many were blessed by her thoughtful encouragement, often shared through one of her famous cards.
More than anything, Jean’s greatest desire was for her family and loved ones to remain close to God and someday spend eternity in Heaven with her.
Jean is survived by her three daughters, Jenie (Victor) Price, Jamie (Phillip Lewis) Sprague, and Tomi (B.J.) Ward; seven grandchildren, Anna (Rob) Howell, Jordan (Paige) Price, Kathryn (Bilal) Taftaf, Ben (fiancé – Grace Maganzini) Price, Reagan Ward, Ransom Ward, Noelle Ward; eight great-grandchildren, Jackson, Baelin, Landry, Duke, Rami, Bexley, Nellie and Booker; along with many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom E. Whittington and a grandson, Jacob Sprague.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 –7:00 PM at Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon. Funeral services will be held on Friday – 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Chris Mazzola officiating.
Jean was a member of Lighthouse Aglow and The Pulse Four Square Gospel Church in Mt Vernon.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to: The Pulse Four Square Gospel Church.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to: Dr Bailey & Candy at KCH Cardiology; Gentiva Hospice; The Laurels and all her in-home care-givers.
To express a condolence to the Whittington family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com