Obituary for Jeanne DeFord Bailey Whitman
Jeanne DeFord Bailey Whitman civic leader, educator, community volunteer, mother and grandmother died on Dec. 2, 2020 in Harrisonberg, VA. She was devoted to her community and home in Pulaski, VA, where she spent over 60 years of her life. Her husband, Robert P. Whitman, Sr. predeceased her in 1993. She was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pulaski and enjoyed deep and lasting friendships and associations there.
Jeanne was born on July 18, 1930 in Cumberland, VA to Otway Giles and Ella DeFord Bailey. As a girl she moved with her family for her father’s work to Abington, VA where she graduated from Wallace High School at the age of 16. She graduated from Madison College, now James Madison University, and moved to Pulaski with two Madison College classmates to teach at Pulaski High School. She later earned a Master’s Degree in education from Radford University.
In Pulaski she met and married Robert P. (Bob) Whitman. Jeanne resumed her professional career shortly after the birth of their third child and moved rapidly through a series of administrative posts in the Pulaski County School system, becoming in time Principal of Northwood Elementary School and then Assistant Principal at Critzer Elementary School. In 1971 she retired from her position at Critzer Elementary and devoted her time to volunteer and civic work.
She served on the Pulaski County School Board before her administrative employment in the system and served on the following boards, among others, across the years: New River Community College for which she had a deep affection and appreciation as a vital service to area students; Randolph House and the Randolph House Foundation, Pulaski County Library, New River Rails to Trails and Sovran Bank. She served as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church and volunteered for Daily Bread and Wonderful Wednesdays.
Jeanne cared for friends whose circumstances left them alone and lonely, taking food and visiting regularly. For a number of years she traveled widely with her sister and with local friends. She joined in projects for the betterment od Southwest VA and for Pulaski County. She loved her dogs and her life on the farm, where she remained independent and capable until an injury in 2016 then moving to Harrisonburg near her youngest child, Sarah.
Besides her husband, Jeanne was predeceased by her sister, Ellen Bailey Giannini and her brother, O. G. Bailey, Jr. as well as two nephews, Stephen Giannini and David Giannini. She is survived by her children, Robert P. Whitman and his wife Elizabeth, Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt and her husband Rhodes and Sarah Whitman Hadacek and her husband Dan. She is also survived by four grandchildren, John DeFord Whitman, Julia Pierce Whitman, James Bailey Hadacek and Samuel Gaston Hadacek as well as a nephew, Giles Giannini (Rhonda) and nieces Anna Bailey Michael (Jeff) and Barbara Bailey. She is also survived by her cousin and “fourth child” Bentley Robinson Andrews and her sons Hunter Perrot (Karen) and Cabel Perrot.
Memorials may be made to Scholarships at New River Community College in c/o Angie Covey, Exec. Dir. New River Community College Educational Foundation, 5251 College Drive, Dublin, VA 24084 or to First Presbyterian Church in c/o The Rev. Melissa McNair-King, P.O. Box 824 Pulaski, VA 24301 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Sunday Dec. 6th from the Thornspring Cemetery, Pulaski County, with the Rev. Melissa McNair-King officiating. Arrangements are by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, VA.
Jerry and Lynn King
December 4, 2020 @ 12:32 pm
A very dear lady.
Our sincere condolences to the Whitman family.
Sincerely,
Jerry and Lynn King
Jeff and Winn Jennings
December 4, 2020 @ 5:56 pm
Praying for you Sarah, and your family
Shelby Brown
December 4, 2020 @ 2:01 pm
My condolences to the Whitman Family. I lived down the road from them growing up as a child. My Grandfather worked for The Whitman family on their Farm. Then later my son, now 43, was a child at Northwood Elementary school where Mrs. Whitman was Principal. She was loved by all the children who attended. You was an exceptional Lady and I am so grateful for the love and guidance given by her for my child. You will be missed. Farewell sweet lady, Shelby Grimmett Brown
Carolyn Hale Simpson
December 4, 2020 @ 3:21 pm
Jeanne was a beautiful person. She was a teacher in Pulaski High School and was blessed to have her as a teacher and as a friend in later years. Blessings to all her family. A very special lady. Class of 1954 and Carolyn Hale Simpson
Earl Phillips
December 4, 2020 @ 4:15 pm
Warmest regards our hearts and prayers are with you and your family our lives were made better because.of Mrs Witman
Minister Earl Phillips
Kay Farmer Farrell
December 4, 2020 @ 5:40 pm
Jeanne and Sarah- my sympathies to you on the loss of your mom. She was always so kind. Holding you all close in my heart.
Jeff and Winn Jennings
December 4, 2020 @ 6:00 pm
Praying for you, Sarah, and your family.
BARBIE H DOBBINS
December 4, 2020 @ 10:52 pm
One of my favorite teachers! So sweet and kind! My thoughts are with the family
Brad & Stephanie Reeves and family
December 5, 2020 @ 12:48 am
Sarah & Family – what a positive impact your mother had on so many people. She truly leaves behind a wonderful legacy. You and your sweet family are a testament to all she stood for – hard work, dedication and service to friends, family and community. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda & Jack Gill
December 5, 2020 @ 9:58 am
We extend our sincere sympathy to your family. Jeanne was a beautiful devoted humanitarian who loved her family. We are blessed to have know this special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wynn Back
December 5, 2020 @ 11:12 am
Sorry for your loss. A great lady
Sarah P. Horton
December 6, 2020 @ 3:33 am
Mrs Whitman was the best of the best. She stood for what a loving and caring person should be! She will always be remembered for what a wonderful leader should be. It was and is my greatest honor to have taught under her at Northwood Elementary. She will be so greatly missed and remembered! Sarah P. Horton
Michael Boothe
December 6, 2020 @ 1:54 pm
My deepest sympathies to the family for the loss of such a wonderful woman. Always remembering her smile and kindness. Prayers of comfort, strength and peace be with the families.