Memphis, TN and Chilhowie, Va.

Jean Whitely Crabtree, of Memphis, TN and Chilhowie, VA, joined and completed her heavenly family on 9-27-2022, at the age of 86.

Jean was born on November 23, 1935, in Saltville, Virginia to Allie and Mary Harris Whitely. She spent her early years in Broadford, Virginia. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years JF Crabtree and her parents, and siblings, Jacqueline McGhee (Reed), Virginia Coe (Junior) and Campbell Whitely (Nell).

Jean married JF Crabtree in 1954 and they raised a family of four. In her earlier years Jean was focused on raising her family and assisting JF by typing his papers at the University of Virginia. After helping JF with his education the two moved to Memphis, TN in 1965 where she quickly became a Memphis State Tiger fan. She loved Tiger basketball and supported them at home and away games. She was an active member and secretary for many years of the Rebounders basketball support group. She was also an avid bowler and enjoyed the friendships she made on her teams. Once she had her family raised she worked in several jobs but most notably at the IRS as a tax examiner in electronic filing where she retired after 20 years. In 1994 JF and Jean became the proud owners of "The White House" in Chilhowie where they loved spending their summer months gardening, renewing old acquaintances and frequent visits with their children and grandchildren. Over the years Jean was a member of Roberts Chapel (Broadford), Asbury United Methodist Church (Memphis) and Blackwell Chapel United Methodist Church (Meadowview).

Jean is survived by her children, Vicki Harris (Robby), Jeff Crabtree (Jane), Beth Ferreira, Jodee Dooley (Michael), grandchildren, Stephanie, Brian, Rebecca, Joseph, Charlie, Kayla, Lindsay, Tyler, Michael and great-grandchildren Thomas, Braden, Scarlett and Jake. She is also survived by many special nephews and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville, Va. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Committal services will follow at Knollkreg cemetery in Abingdon, Va.

Those wishing to express sympathy may do so online by visiting www.drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jean Whitely Crabtree.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.