Janie “Dolly” Whitney

It is with great sadness that the family of Janie “Dolly” Whitney announces her passing on February 21, 2024, at the age of 81 years. Janie will forever be adored by her four daughters, Christine Manis (Jack), Deborah Runk (Mike), Carla Kaelber (Dave), and Nichole Whitney. In addition to her children, Janie is survived by her loving grandchildren, Todd Reese (Stacie); Tim Reese (Tenya); Laura St. Clair (Aaron); Tiffany Reese (Candi); Cason Muehring; Damien Stinnett (Courtney) ; Brady Whitney (Nancy); Cali Stinnett; Zach Runk; Sarah Lyman; Shawnee Tillotson; Jack Kaelber.

Janie will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Patrick Humphrey, and his wife Vicki. She was also very fond of her great grandchildren (28) as well as her extended family to include numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. It should be noted that Janie proudly was a caregiver for many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren over the years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carson Gaylord Whitney (Quincy, IL); parents, Willis Humphrey & Moleta Echternkamp (Quincy, IL).

Friends and family are encouraged to join Janie’s celebration of life on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at O’Donnell-Cookson (1435 State Street) funeral home in Quincy, IL (10 am to 12 pm). Interment graveside service will be held immediately afterwards at Greenmount Cemetery (1701 South 12th Street).

Janie was the first baby born in Quincy, IL on New Year’s Day, 1943. Growing up in this area, Janie never moved away for long, always cherishing western Illinois as her home. As a young mother, her focus and priority was raising her daughters. She fell in love with Carson in 1974, married within 6 weeks of meeting each other, spending the next 33 years together before his passing.

She held many jobs throughout her lifetime, not limited to but including a long-time server at Sprout’s Inn, manager of the Betty Gay clothing store, bookkeeper at Stover Air Cargo as well as Singer Sewing Machine Company. Later in life she was a private caregiver for the elderly. Her hobbies included her collection of pig memorabilia (ceramic, stuffed); bingo (54 cards at once); and organizing bus trips to play bingo; gambling boats (slots); she loved dancing and listening to live classic country music (Neal McCoy was her favorite).

Since Janie was a little girl, her compassion and care for others continued throughout her life and will certainly be forever remembered by her acquaintances, friends, family, and daughters. She lived her life to the fullest and undoubtedly would want her memory to be the same for years to come.

A sincere thank you for your love and support during this challenging time and transition for our family. In lieu of flowers, any condolences and support may be provided on behalf of the Blessing Hospice www.blessinghealth.org and American Parkinson’s Disease Association www.apdaparkinson.org.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.