With a spirit of steel and a boundless love for those she held dear, Janet Scott Whitener was strength personified. No adventure was too big, and no journey too long, for her curious and expansive soul. Her larger-than-life personality and generous heart drew friends and family to her, and she was always quick to lend an ear, offer encouragement, and share her strength with those in need of courage or steadiness. Janet lived with deep gratitude for her many blessings, and she leaves behind a lasting example of faithfulness, resilience, generosity, and love for her children and grandchildren to follow.

Janet passed away peacefully on June 18, 2026, at her home in Burton, Texas, surrounded by family.

Janet was blessed to share her life's journey with her true soulmate, Thomas Oliver Whitener Jr., her husband of 56 years. Janet and Tom met when her family moved to Burton; she was in the fourth grade, and he was in the sixth. Their first date came a few years later, when she was in seventh grade and he was in ninth, and they had been together ever since. Best friends for more than 60 years, Janet and Tom met life's challenges head-on and celebrated its abundant joys side by side.

Janet dedicated her life to her family and to raising her two daughters, Jennifer Kori and Josalyn Keli, in Dallas, Texas. She was a devoted and beloved mother, an active community volunteer, and the heart of countless family memories. She loved nothing more than spending time with her girls, planning the next adventure, and finding meaningful ways to serve others. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to giving back, and she especially treasured opportunities to serve alongside her daughters.

The daughter of Eugene and Mary Beth Scott, Janet was born on November 18, 1948, in Huntsville, Texas. She grew up in Burton, Texas, and spent weekends and summers at her family's farm in Kittrell, Texas, where she shared a magical childhood with her two sisters, Susan and Ginger.

Janet earned a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Sam Houston State University in 1970 and later taught at various schools before devoting herself to raising her family. Later, she turned her natural talent and eye for decorating, style, and design into a new chapter, opening a clothing and gift boutique in Round Top, Texas. She spent more than a decade running her business, sharing her creativity, warmth, and gracious sense of style with all who came through her doors.

With the birth of her first grandchild, Olivia St. Peter, Janet joyfully embraced one of her most cherished roles: Nana. She later welcomed two more granddaughters, Maribeth and Vivian St. Peter, into the fun. As Nana, Janet brought the same love, energy, imagination, and adventurous spirit that had defined her life. She spent the next two decades making memories with her family, traveling with Tom, her girls, and her grandchildren, hosting gatherings, spending time with friends and loved ones, and volunteering locally in Burton.

Janet leaves behind a legacy of family and friends forever made better and stronger by her presence in their lives. Those who had the privilege of knowing her know how rare and special she was, and how deeply loved they were by her.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Beth Williamson and Eugene Milton Scott; her mother- and father-in-law, Eloise Marie Thaler and Oliver Whitener; and her sister, Susan Scott Sturgeon. She is survived by her husband, Tom Whitener; her daughters, Kori Whitener Fellows and her husband, Jeff Fellows, and Keli St. Peter and her husband, Jason St. Peter; her grandchildren, Olivia, Maribeth, and Vivian St. Peter; her sister, Ginger Scott; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob and Wanda Whitener, and Michelle and Steve Bishop; and her nieces and nephews, Ashley and Mike Johse, Scott and Mary Sue Wallace, Jared Whitener, Kyle and Brianna Whitener, Kent Hemphill and Jordan Macha, Brett and Taylor Hemphill, and Matt and Michelle Bishop.

A Celebration of Janet's life and legacy will be held on November 14, 2026, in Burton, Texas, with more details to come. All who knew and loved Janet are warmly invited to attend and share memories of her.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Texas Cotton Gin Museum in Burton, Texas; Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.