Grayson County TXGenWeb

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The Herald Democrat
March 12-13, 2013

Janie Elizabeth Whitten, 79, passed away at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital-WNJ Friday, March 8, 2013. Funeral services were held at First United Methodist Church in Sherman on Wednesday, March 13 with Dr. Jim Pledger officiating. Interment followed at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro.
Ms. Whitten lay in state at Dannel Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 12 from noon until 7 p.m..
Janie was born to Tom Whitten and Gertrude Kilgore Whitten on November 11, 1933 in Whitesboro.
She lived in Whitesboro throughout her school years and attended Austin College for one year. She began her career with GTE soon after high school in Whitesboro and later transferred to Sherman. She retired from GTE at the age of 55 in 1988. After her retirement she worked at Conrad's Pies & More, The Blue Door and Carol's Red Apron until her death. She was the cashier whom everyone loved and enjoyed. She had so many friends and was a good friend in return.
Janie was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sherman. She served as Treasurer at the church for 11 years. She was an Altrusan for 40 years which she held the positions of President, Treasurer and Vice President. She belonged to the Sherman Community Series, the Wilson N. Jones Foundation Board and she was a Legacy Donor to WNJ. She was in the WNJ Exercise Group and a member of the Ethel Rentfro Book Review Club.
Janie won her battle over cancer. She worked, prayed and followed all of her doctor's orders. She won this battle through her faith in God. Even the loss of her eyesight was conquerable through her faith.
Janie had a love for the Arts, a flair for musicals, and to dress very well. She was a member of the Dallas Community Series. She mad sure to make all the productions and most often with Margaret (Cookie) Hill, one of her dearest friends.
The Gaither concerts at Bass Hall were also among her favorites. Janie loved Gospel music and played it well on her piano and accordian.
Janie loved to shop for beautiful clothes at her favorite shop, Fashion Reflections. She had very good taste and loved to dress up. She took pride in her appearance.
Janie was an avid reader. She was well versed in the Bible and dearly loved her church family. Her faith in God was incredible. Janie stayed informed on politics, current events, and the stock market. She was extremely politically knowledgeable. She was a generous donor not only to her church, but to friends, family, Grand Central Station and numerous others. She supported the WNJ Women's Seminars held at the Wright Center at Austin College annually.
Her sense of humor was incredible. She loved to laugh with and enjoy her friends and family. She never met a stranger. Janie loved to travel. For many years at Christmas time she flew to different cities that she hadn't been to before. She traveled alone most of the time but would include a dear friend if they wanted to join her.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Tommie Jo Gates; brothers, Tom Whitten and David Whitten.
She is survived by her devoted sister, Virginia Draper of Whitesboro; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to FUMC, Sherman, 401 N. Elm St., Sherman, Texas 75090, or Grand Central Station 110 S. Throckmorton, Sherman, Texas 75090.