Jae Whaley

(From Parker Mortuary)

Judith Faye “Jae” Whaley, age 82, Joplin, Missouri passed away Monday February 1, 2021 at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

Jae was born on September 30, 1938 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Clifford Tedder and Dorothy (Burke) Tedder. She had lived in the Joplin area all of her life, graduating from Joplin High School in 1956. 

After graduation Jae attended Joplin Junior College, later transferring to Oklahoma Baptist University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business in 1960. While attending Oklahoma Baptist University, Jae met her future husband, Chuck, while working in the Music Department and singing for the College’s Big Band that Chuck directed named “The Collegians."

Jae began her career in Human Resources with First National Bank in Joplin. She also worked for Financial Federal, Sitton Motor Lines and then Newton County Ambulance from 1996 until her retirement in January of 2014. Throughout her career she was recognized for her devoted work with United Way and serving on the Joplin Police and Fire Pension Board throughout her time at Newton County Ambulance.

Jae was known as an incredibly talented pianist and singer. She played and sang at countless churches all over the entire region for decades, blessing thousands of people. Jae was honored to be able to sing at the Governor’s Mansion with her travelling singing group, “The Shenandoah Singers”. She was a long-time member at Greenwood Baptist Church and had most recently attended Calvary Baptist Church. She was loyal St. Louis Cardinals fan and never missed a game. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jae was united in marriage to Charles E. “Chuck” Whaley, Ph.D. on December 28, 1968 in Joplin, Missouri. Together they shared 30 precious years before his passing on November 23, 1999.

Jae is survived by her son, Craig Whaley; sister, Karen Cummings; niece, Kathy Sparrow; nephews, Jeff Barnett, Justin Barnett; together with several extended family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church, Joplin with Pastors Rich Jenkins and Craig Whaley officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at the church from 12:00 p.m. until service time on Monday. Interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary.