Janey Whitener

Janey Huffman Whitener, 86, of Hickory, NC.

Janey was born on March 14, 1940, on her mother’s birthday in Hickory, NC, to the late Everette Preston Huffman and Carrie Walker Huffman.

Janey loved learning and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lenoir Rhyne College and her Masters and Education Specialist in Science from Appalachian State University. She dedicated 30 years of her career to Hickory City Schools, serving 25 years as an elementary teacher and 5 years as a librarian. She impacted the lives of many students throughout her tenure.

She worshipped at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, where she taught Sunday school for many years.

Janey was a loving and loved individual, known for her intelligence, kindness, and helpful nature. She was a friend to all and deeply cared for those around her. Her hobbies included reading, traveling and camping.

Janey is survived by her daughter-in-law, Dianne Whitener, grandchildren Christopher (Jo) Whitener, Braxton Whitener and Adam (Madison) Whitener and great grandchildren Kaleb, Alex, Nathaniel, Bailee, Ryan and Savannah. She is also survived by her much loved and 21-year-old loyal companion, Peeper the cat and special friend Bob Baker.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Jerry Whitener; her son Jamie Whitener, and her brothers E.P. Huffman Jr., Emmett Huffman, Kermit Huffman, Wilburn Huffman, Johnny Huffman, Bruce Huffman, James Delmar Huffman, and Dennis Huffman.

She was very appreciative and thankful for her family, friends, Love Angels (care givers) and Carolina Caring who provided care for her during her illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1911 Zion Church Road, Hickory, NC 28602. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Carolina Caring on Robinson Rd, Newton, NC.

Janey Huffman Whitener will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Whitener family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.