Phyllis Jean Whitworth

Phyllis Jean Galloway Whitworth, affectionately known as Jean, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the age of 89.

Jean was born in 1927 in Putnam County, Missouri. She was one of seven children; Wilma Lykes, deceased; Freal Galloway, deceased; Betty Hodges, deceased; Frank Galloway, deceased; Lois Whitworth Mallory, deceased; and Forrest “Cork” Galloway, who survives.

Jean was united in marriage to G.D. “Smoky” Whitworth, in 1947. To this marriage, two sons were born, Daniel and David.

A graduate of Unionville High School she later went on to Truman State University to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Education. She taught in Putnam County and later retired from the Kirksville school district.

Jean was a former president of OATS, Inc. in Kirksville, Missouri, and volunteered for Special Olympics regularly. Additionally, she was a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association.

She and her husband were longstanding members of the United Methodist Church in Kirksville, Missouri, and she was currently a member of Central United Methodist Church in Webb City, Missouri. She took great pride in being an active member of the congregation.

Jean is preceded in death by her son David, and husband G.D. “Smoky” Whitworth. She is survived by her son Daniel Whitworth, daughter in-law Debbie of Joplin, Missouri and grandson Andrew and wife Betsy, of Tipp City, Ohio, and granddaughter Caitlin, of Overland Park, Kansas. Jean is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Those who were lucky enough to know Jean may remember her for her wit and thirst for knowledge, as well as her kindness and the sacrifices she made for her family.  If you ask her grandchildren, she made the best molasses cookies and applesauce known to man. Jean also had an unpredictable sense of humor that ensured she offered the “best” White Elephant gift at Christmas. She will greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening (March 2, 2017) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer funeral home.

Funeral service will be held on Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Dan Todd officiating. Burial will be in Highland Park Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the National Parkinson Foundation.