Martha Jean East's Obituary
Martha Jean East aka Maw, age 88, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, departed this life on August 29, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Collierville, TN.
Jean was born on July 22, 1936, in Baldwyn, Mississippi to Grover Cleveland Wilhite, Sr. and Flora Ada Butler, to which she was born into a large family. She had 11 siblings and loved them all very dearly. Later in adulthood, she met her husband John East, and they embraced parenthood together raising their son, Bobby East.
She was so much to those who loved her, working diligently in the finances for the family companies, East Construction Company and Memphis Irrigation and Lighting Company. When she wasn't working, she was devotedly spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she treasured and adored beyond measure. Her laughter was infectious, her smile was contagious, and her love for the Lord was immeasurable. As a grandmother, she was not only nurturing and supportive but also a source of immense joy and inspiration. Jean's departure leaves a void, but her legacy of love, strength, and devotion lives on in all who were blessed enough to know her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband John E. East; 6 sisters, Obera Hall, Charlene Letson, Ruth Smithey, Juanita Little, Helen Thornton, Margaret Blythe and 4 brothers, Loyd Wilhite, Carl Wilhite, Merle Wilhite and Grover Wilhite, Jr.
She is survived by her son, Bobby East (Rhonda) of Piperton, TN, Brother Wayne Wilhite (Pat) of Baldwyn, MS and grandchildren, Bradley East of Germantown, TN, Devin East (Caitlin) of Piperton, TN, Chelsea Spry (Jason) of Collierville, TN, and her eight great-grandchildren, Tenley East, Brinkley East, Fletcher East, Madelynn East, Easton Spry, Cooper Spry, John East and Eli East.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" 2 Timothy 4:7 In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are greatly appreciated in her honor.
The family invites friends to gather Tuesday September 3, 2024 at 12:00 pm for a service at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tn 38119 with a visitation preceding at 11:00am.
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