Gloria Jean Whitten

Gloria Jean Budd Whitten

On July 3, 2026, our hearts were forever changed as we said goodbye to Gloria Jean Budd Whitten, who passed away at the age of 80.

Born on October 12, 1945, in Morgan City, La, to Samuel J. Budd and Betty Landry Budd, Gloria was a proud lifelong resident of Amelia. It was there that she built a life filled with love alongside her husband and best friend, William Perry Whitten. Together they shared 45 years of marriage, creating a home where family was always the center of everything. She now joins Perry once again, the love of her life.

Gloria was a homemaker by title, but anyone who knew her understood that her true life’s work was loving people. She had a gift for conversation and never met a stranger. If there was a fresh pot of coffee brewing, chances were Gloria had a chair waiting and enough stories to last the afternoon. She loved catching up, visiting, watching families grow on social media, and celebrating life’s everyday moments.

If you spent any time with her, you learned her personality quickly. Her feisty, witty, and wonderfully sassy spice of life made you love her. Gloria spoke her mind, loved with her entire heart, and fiercely protected those she loved. Her laughter was contagious, her opinions unforgettable, and her love unwavering.

Please join family and friends for an evening at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City, on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, to gather together to share stories, laughter, and gratitude for a life so warmly lived.

Gloria was the matriarch of her family in every sense, the steady heart that held everyone together. She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Jeannie Whitten of Haughton, La.; her sons, Tobie Matherne and his wife Heather of Cadott, Wisconsin, and Ted Matherne and his wife Monica of Bayou Vista, La.; her bonus son, Gary Driskell and his wife Courtney of Berwick, La.; her grandsons, William Parker Whitten, Caleb Matherne, Tyler Matherne, Logan Matherne, and Carter Matherne; bonus grandchildren Brooke Nguyen and Jase Driskell; and one beloved great granddaughter, Mila Matherne. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends, all of whom she loved as her own.

The last chapter of Gloria’s life was a quieter one, but it was filled with unwavering love and devotion. Through every challenge, every difficult day, and every small victory, she remained steadfast and carried on, with a smile on her face and an occasional eye roll.

Her family finds peace in knowing she is whole again and reunited with Perry. While our hearts ache in her absence, we will carry her laughter, her sass, her wisdom, and her unconditional love with us always.

If you knew and loved Gloria, honor her memory the way she would have wanted; with a cup of coffee, a good conversation, and by reminding the people you love just how much they mean to you.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City, Louisiana.