Jewell Dean Cagle Whited passed away January 24, 2024, at the age of 78. She was born in Bradford, Arkansas, on March 18, 1945. Jewell attended Ash Flat High School as part of the Eagle Class of 1963 where she met her beloved husband, Billy, and stayed devoted to him even after his death in 1996. Billy affectionately referred to her as “Deanie”. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Monta Cagle (Lucille) and Jewell Christine Chambers (Jim, Sr.); her sister, Montine Henson (Dave) and her two grandchildren, Adam Whited and Taylor Whited.
Jewell was and remained a strong-willed and capable woman. Early in her years, she was the backbone and heart of the Whited family. From raising four boys to supporting the Whited home builder business, feeding the sons’ friends, or providing a haven to those needing a hand and comfort, “Momma” was an example of what it meant to be part of a community.
Through her widowed life, Jewell remained the beacon of fierce independence as she managed apartments in Jacksonville, Arkansas and cleaned houses well into her seventies. Despite her boys asking her to retire, she could not bear the thought of leaving her clients or not having her own work to do. She loved to dance on Friday nights and enjoyed visiting friends during the Ash Flat Eagle class reunions.
Through her many experiences, Jewell’s greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was “Granny” to all, whether born in or blended; she loved each and every one.
Jewell is survived by her son, Michael Whited, great-grandchild, Evelyn Whited (Adam), grandchildren: Chris Whited, Vanessa Gregory, Audrey Whited, and Macabee Whited;
son, Marty Whited (Gina), grandchildren: Dr. Kayln Howell (Alex), Ashley Holloway and great-grandchild Kinley Ann Mitchell, Jacob Whited, Makenzie Davis (Mac), and Hayleigh Adair;
son, Billy Joe “Joey” Whited (Hazelle), great-grandchild, Steele Evers (Taylor), grandchildren: Darren Visperas, Skylar Whited, Abram Fessenden, Cyli-Jo Whited and sister Cobi Elrod with son Hudson;
son, Charlie Whited (Tracie), grandchildren: Jeremy Laws (Kelly) and great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Sydney; Jared Whited and Jack Thompson;
Corbitt siblings: Karen, Jean, Andrea, Ricky, and Ronnie; her half-brothers, Dan Alexander and Jim Chambers; as well as other numerous relatives and great friends.
Visitation of family and friends will be Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home, 1540 Hwy 62-412, Highland, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow at noon with Gary Fletcher of Jacksonville, Arkansas officiating.
Burial will be at the Shiloh Cemetery just outside the eastern city limits of Ash Flat in Sharp County. Pallbearers are Patrick Ellis, Bob Sherrill, Jeff Slinkard, Roger Richey, Kenny Bobo, and Gary Herum. Honorary pallbearers include Scott Henson, Brian Gates, Teddy Wilson, Vicky Sue Ables, Virgina Qualls, Helen Benton, and Wanda Dill.
Immediately following the cemetery service, the family invites everyone to join them for a potluck gathering at the Ash Flat Community Center located at 20 Arnhart Street in Ash Flat across from the library next to the city park. It will be a great time to laugh and reminisce about Jewell things maybe the boys never even knew. Sharing a meal and telling stories would make her smile.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Shiloh Cemetery Fund.
