Jean Whitson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our amazing mother, Jean Whitson, 93, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida on June 20th, 2025. Mom was born in Cookeville, Tennessee on August 23rd, 1931. She was a registered nurse at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee and then met the love of her life and married Dr. Kenneth Whitson. The two of them packed up and moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1952 when it was a quint small town. They were one of the first to build their first house on Barcelona Drive in Seven Isles and instrumental in helping Fort Lauderdale grow and thrive.

They started their family and had four children, Becky, Patty, Mike and Debbie in that order and only two years apart. Mom was so loved by all the neighborhood children. She would load up her station wagon full of kids and take them to the drive-in movies. All the children in the neighborhood gave her the nickname of Ms. Whitty and she so embraced her new nickname. Even while raising her four children, she made time to serve on many charities she so loved. She was very active in the Charity Guild since 1956 as vice president then became a privileged member. Her dedication to The Charity Guild is remembered with deep appreciation. Her commitment to helping children and families in Broward County made a lasting impact, and they are honored to have been part of her legacy. In 1968 she served as the President of the Broward Dental Auxiliary also helping the Broward County community.

After we were all grown and on our own, she became a real estate broker with Intercoastal Realty, specializing in waterfront homes sales. She was very successful and loved working with all her associates. Her associates loved working with her as well and gave her the title of “Queen Jean of Real Estate”.

Mom is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Kenneth Whitson and her daughter, Dr. Becky Whitson. And, survived after death by her children, Patty (Stan) of Charlotte, NC, Mike (Arlene) of Greensboro, NC, Debbie of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She adored her grandson Jason and his wife Christina of Pittsburgh, PA, her step granddaughter Rachelle (Adam) Wilmington, NC, step grandson, Tyler (Brianna) Greensboro, NC. She was a loving mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and friend to all.

She will be missed dearly by all those she touched. Thank you to Marie Geffrard, caregiver, for taking good care of Mom and keeping her laughing to the end. She was insistent that she didn’t want all those she cared about to be sad so she smilingly forbid us to have any type of service for her so her wishes will be honored. That is just like her looking out for others. Flowers are beautiful and appreciated, however, in lieu of flowers, saving a life would make Mom very happy as she loved all animals and they loved her. Any donation amount helps save a life: Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312, 954-989-3977.