Jean Whitmire

Jean Albers Whitmire of Gulf Breeze passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

Jean was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on June 24, 1929, the youngest of five children born to Henry John and Jenny Dahlgren Albers.

She was preceded in death by V.C. “Whit” Whitmire, her husband of 62 years, and oldest son, Robert Albers Whitmire.  She is survived by 4 children: David Allen Whitmire (Cecelia) of Plano, TX and their daughters Katheryn and Elaine; Mark Thomas Whitmire (Melissa) of Gulf Breeze, FL and his daughters Louisa and Amelia Alexander (Brett); Jenny Whitmire Harris (Steve) of Cumming, Georgia and her daughters Sarah Clark, and Anne Clark Harris (Alex) and their sons, James and Ethan; and James Whitmire (Stacey) of Navarre, FL and their sons Michael (Kaiti), Wesley (Nona) and their daughter, Sophia, and Robert Whitmire.

After high school and various jobs, Jean became a stewardess for Trans World Airlines (TWA), stationed in Kansas City, MO.  There she met the handsome Navy pilot, V.C. “Whit” Whitmire.  They married in Olathe, Kansas in March 1951. The Whitmires lived in many places, with multiple postings between Norfolk, VA and Pensacola, FL.  The highlight was the assignment to England in 1953, where they witnessed the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

In 1968, when Whit left for Vietnam with the Seawolves squadron, Jean and the family settled in Gulf Breeze, FL.  Whit retired from the Navy and Jean completed her education, graduating from University of West Florida.

Jean started a career in real estate, helping other families find the comfort and security of owning their own home and settling into the community.  Jean was a real estate broker/salesman for Century 21 Richardson Agency and retired after 25 years.

Deeply rooted in her community, Jean championed local urban planning efforts. She served as Chairman of the Dead Man’s Island Fund, which gave ownership of the island to the City of Gulf Breeze, serving with Dr. Bob Moonaw, Lynn Hunsley and Margaret Mang.  She served on the Gulf Breeze Planning Board for 4 years followed by the Santa Rosa Planning Board.  While on the Santa Rosa Planning Board, she was appointed Chairman of the newly formed zoning commission for South Santa Rosa County. Governor Martinez appointed her to the State of Florida Affordable Housing Commission for a four-year term. Later, Jean was appointed to the Garcon Bridge Authority to study the feasibility of connecting roads between I-10 and Highway 98, which resulted in the Garcon Point Bridge.

Jean loved going to the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center, where she played bridge and did Tuesday and Thursday exercise classes with her friends.  She loved her butterfly garden and reading outside on her deck while enjoying her famous iced tea.  Most of all, she loved visiting with friends and family and staying up-to-date with their adventures and accomplishments.

The family will hold a memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life at a later date. A private interment will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery, where she will rest alongside her beloved husband, Whit, and son, Bob.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice.