MCLEANSBORO – Betty Jean Whitlow, age 89, and a resident of McLeansboro, IL, passed away at 9:18 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at The Silver Foxes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in McLeansboro, IL.         

Visitation will be held Monday, April 1, 2024. from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with graveside services to follow at noon at Brush Harbor Cemetery. Pastor Rick Floyd will officiate the service.

Betty was born October 16, 1934, in Norris City, IL, to Albert Bryant and Genevieve Mae (Boyd) Bryant. She married Clarence Leon Whitlow on January 15, 1949. She was a homemaker and Betty attended Brush Harbor Church. Everyone knew her as “The Strawberry Lady” and she ran BJ’s Market with her husband Leon for many years. She was an avid gardener and loved flowers.

Betty is survived by son Mike Whitlow and wife Tina, McLeansboro, IL; daughter Linda Stricklin and husband Benny of  Harrisburg, IL; six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.     

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Terry, granddaughter Brandi Rann, and three sisters.

The Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.