Barbara Jean Whalen's Obituary
Barbara Jean Whalen, 77, peacefully went home to heaven on November 23, 2018. She was the daughter of Max and Alice Marie Wagerman Sr. of Memphis. She leaves her devoted husband of 32 years, Mark Francis Whalen. She leaves two children Sandy Rouse Jones and Bobby Gale Rouse Jr. and his wife, Elizabeth. She also leaves a stepdaughter Lisa Whalen Burks and her husband, Ken.She was a loving and beloved grandmother of two grandchildren, Nicholas Malin Rouse and Dylan Powell Jones. She was preceded in death by her brother Max Wagerman, Jr. She is survived by her aunt, three nephews and many cousins.Barbara was born and raised in Memphis. She graduated from Messick High School and attended Memphis State University, where she was a majorette, before graduating from Lee College. She later obtained her master’s degree from Memphis State University. After a successful career in many roles, including a Memphis City Schools special education teacher, Barbara retired after ten years from Regions Bank.Barbara became a Christian when she was twelve years old, and anyone who knew her knew she loved Jesus. She belonged to and served in many churches throughout her life and touched so many lives with her love and compassion. As she persevered through her physical challenges the past few years, she gave God all the glory, and her family and friends were amazed as her faith, love, and gratitude grew even stronger.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 28 at 11:00 a.m. All services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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