It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jewel Virginia Whalen, who peacefully left us on September 25, 2024, at the age of 95. Jewel was a cherished member of her family and a dear friend to many. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love touched the lives of everyone she met.
Jewel was born on June 28, 1929, at her grandparents’ home south of Iuka, IL, daughter of Willie and Janie (Holler) Holaday. She married Leland Whalen on November 24, 1948, in Salem, IL. He preceded her in death on June 2, 2021.
Jewel was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, and brother-in-law Mildred and Everett Trinkle, brother and sister-in-law Glen and Elsie Holaday, and son-in-law Pete Wamble.
Jewel is survived by her children: Lamar Whalen and wife Annette of Odin, IL, Michael Whalen of Sandoval, IL, and Arleen Timmons and husband John of Centralia, IL; her grandchildren: Christina Parker and husband Robert of Salem, IL, Tara Adams and husband Chad of Eagle, ID, and Michael Whalen II of Centralia, IL; her great grandchildren: Zachary Whalen of Centralia, IL, Ashley Romero and husband Ross of Hampton, VA, Abigail Soddy and fiancée Sergio Gardea of Laramie, WY, and Ellie Adams of Eagle, ID; her great-great grandchildren: Avery, Jensen, and Carter Whalen; special friends Edward and Margaret Jarvis, and several special nieces and nephews.
Jewel graduated Centralia High School, Class of 1947. She worked for Benson’s Drug Store as a waitress during the oil boom. She then worked for Sears Roebuck & Co (which was the Height Agency) for 30 years, retiring in 1977. She and her son Lamar then opened and operated Whalen’s Auto Upholstery.
Jewel was a member of Centralia VFW Auxiliary and a former member of Hickory Street Christian Church.
Jewel enjoyed the many travels she and Leland shared on their Harley Davidson to motorcycle rallies across the country, including Sturgis, Daytona, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association Love Ride in Glendale, CA, along with their motorhome travels to over 150 car shows that Leland judged through the Antique Automobile Club of America.
We find comfort in knowing that Jewel is now at peace, and her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who love her. Rest in peace, dear Jewel.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Edward Jarvis officiating. A Visitation will be held that Friday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Jewel’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
