Jeanette Janie Whatley

Jeanette Janie Mikulenka Whatley entered this world on the 23rd day of April, 1927 to James and Jannie Mikulenka. She was the youngest of four children and happily married to George Whatley Jr for 42 years until God unexpectedly called him home.

Throughout her life Jeanette enjoyed dedicating her time to serve God’s people, and was a loving, wonderful, and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jeanette is survived by her son, George Lee Whatley III and daughter-in-law Dolores, and daughters, Georgette Whatley and Janie Ruiz; Steve Lucado and Joe Ruiz whom she loved like a son. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Timothy and wife, Jenny Whatley, Nicholas Whatley, Stephanie and Geoffrey Lucado, Jennifer and John Ruiz; and one great-grandson, Grayson Whatley. She also leaves behind many extended family members and very special friends whom she loved dearly.

She retired from her career as a dental assistant after 28 years working for Dr. J.O. Donaho and his wife, Ethel (Sis) who became life-long friends. After her retirement, she enjoyed working side-by-side with her husband in their company, Whatley Marketing, which they started and ran together for many years.

She was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Conroe since 1972. In her 46 years of service to the church, she was an active Eucharistic Minister (which included taking communion to the sick and homebound), orchestrated monthly events and parties at several Conroe nursing homes, served in altar care for 10 years, and recently served as a greeter.

She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for 61 years where she served as Regent from 1989-1993 and District Deputy for four years. She took pride in the fact she held every office and was once named “Catholic Daughter of the Year” in 1984. For the last 27 years, she coordinated the Care and Concern committee, organizing and providing funeral meals for parish members. Her faith in God and the power of prayer also led Jeanette to be an active member of the prayer chain.

Jeanette was one of the founding members of the St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) ministry in 1986, and was recently honored for her service at the annual church gala. She has served as President of the organization and continued to be a very active member working with volunteers and clients. Until the day before she passed away, Jeanette was still scheduling volunteers for SVdP. It was only a week ago that she resigned from her positions of interviewing/serving clients and training new volunteers.

Jeanette also volunteered for the Montgomery County Center for the Retarded, (previously known as Montgomery County’s Children’s Center) beginning in the mid-70’s. Very active in the community raising needed funds and advocating for adults with learning differences, she worked several years at the Nearly New Thrift Store. This was during the early years of what is now known as Bridgewood Farms

In lieu of flowers, Mom requested donations in her name to St. Vincent de Paul, 145 Madeley St., Conroe, Texas 77301.

On Monday, March 19, 5:00-7:00 PM, the family welcomes all to visitation and rosary services. A special rosary will be conducted by Catholic Daughters of America, Court #1884 at 6:30 PM. A funeral mass is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 109 N. Frazier, Conroe, TX 77301, with a reception immediately following at Pope John Paul room hosted by the Catholic Daughters with great assistance of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Rite of Committal will be held at Houston National Cemetery, Wednesday, March 21 at 11:00 AM where she will be laid to rest with her loving husband.