Lila Jean Whitley, age 93, of Clute, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026.
Jean was born on May 4, 1932, and spent most of her life in Clute, a community she was proud to call home. She was a woman of remarkable strength, independence, and warmth, whose life was defined by hard work, determination, and deep care for others.
Jean worked in Security at Shintech for ten + years, spent five + years as a Mary Kay representative, and owned and operated Coastal Demo for ten + years.
Above all, Jean cherished her family. She found her greatest joy in the time spent with loved ones, offering steady guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. Those who knew her will remember her kind heart, quiet resilience, and the way she made others feel cared for simply by being herself.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hazlett Whitley; sisters, Ola Gresham and Maudie Lee Brown; and brother, Glynn Aubrey Karber.
Jean is survived by her son, Kent Whitley (Tracy Whitley) and daughter, Dianne Mangrum; granddaughters Lorri Ledford, Robin Stratton (Jamey Stratton); great-grandsons, Skyler Lowell (Sara Lowell) and Hunter Schaefer (Jennifer Schaefer); great great-granddaughter, Elle Lowell and sisters Mary Helen Orlando (Frank Orlando) and Fay Clark; and many extended family members and friends who will forever hold her memory close.
A celebration of Jean’s life to be determined.