Jean Cline Falls Whitener, 96, died at home on Friday, November 1, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Born September 20, 1928 in Shelby, NC, she was the daughter of the late Claude Connally and Laura Lee Cline Falls of Cleveland County.

Jean grew up in Fallston, NC, attending local schools and then Limestone College, where she obtained a Teacher's Degree and met her future husband, Joseph Andrew Whitener. After settling in Salisbury, NC, she taught first grade and began her family, having Laura Lee (Polly) and Thomas Andrew (Andy) Whitener. She and Joe moved to Tuscaloosa, AL, (1963) then to Tampa, FL (1972) and after Joe's death in 1985, Jean returned to Fallston for 24 years. In 2010 Jean moved to be closer to her daughter living in both Birmingham and Gainesville, GA.

Our beloved mother never accomplished greatness by the world's success standards. Her joy was her family, being a devoted wife and homemaker. Her legacy was her persistence as a Christian and leading others to Christ. She believed in the power of prayer for her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. Her passion was her Lord and serving Him. She led hundreds of Bible studies and Sunday school classes as a member of Christian Women's Club, Bible Study Fellowship, and her local church. Behind the scenes she volunteered at Billy Graham Crusades, attended to the needs of neighbors, and encouraged the broken-hearted. Although she may not have garnered any public attention here on earth, countless numbers of us know of her enduring friendship, love, and faithfulness.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Whitener; brothers Ralph Falls, Watson Falls, and Henry Falls; sisters Alice Falls Garvin, and Lillian Falls Michael.

Survivors include daughter Polly Bennett (husband Dave), son Andy Whitener (wife Minda), grandchildren Sarah (Whitener) Fisher, Melissa Jean Whitener, Joseph Connally DuBose, Richard Narrows DuBose, Ashley DuBose Ledbetter, Holley Chapman, and Hadden Bennett Sharapov--plus 9 adored great-grands who all experienced Gramma's lap, love, and prayers! Jean is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including locally Beth Michael Moncure (husband Jim) and Claude Falls (wife Neveen).

Visitation will be on Tuesday November 5th beginning at 10am with the Funeral Service at 11am, at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home in Fallston, NC. The Graveside Service and burial will immediately follow in the Rose Hill Memorial Park. Services will be conducted by Steve Martin with Pastor Travis Mull officiating.

Prior to the services, the family will be gathering at 748 Moriah School Road, Casar, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan's Purse - Disaster Relief Fund online at Jean Whitener's memorial page at www.samaritanspurse.com or P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston, 846 E. Stagecoach Trail Fallston, NC 28042, (704) 538-8631.