Mary Jane Wilhite

Mary Jane (Miller) Wilhite, 73, passed away on July 13, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida. Born on June 27, 1951, in Evansville, Indiana, to Nelson E. and Mary Lou Miller, Mary led a life marked by resilience, compassion, and dedication to her family. Mary was a graduate of Reitz High School and Indiana State University Evansville, now known as the University of Southern Indiana. She worked for many years at Silgan Closures America until a significant medical issue led to her early retirement in 2000. Although she never worked “for money” again, this event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Mary’s life dedicated wholly to her children and family. A devoted mom and grandma, Mary’s life was a testament to her selflessness. She never wanted any spotlight aimed toward her and always found a way to support her children, family, and friends with caring words, prayers, and encouragement. After her youngest child graduated from high school, Mary moved to Atlantic Beach, Florida, where she spent her time enjoying Florida beaches, visiting with local friends, and caring for a colony of cats in need. Her love for reading, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and watching FSU football (and occasionally Indianapolis Colts football when they weren’t losing) filled her days with joy. In 2014, Mary moved to Tallahassee to be closer to her daughter. After her cancer diagnosis in 2017, Mary considered each additional year as her “bonus years” and would often approach life with a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Mary is survived by her son, Mason Hacker; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Hacker; grandchildren, Kailey and Levi Hacker; daughter Louise Wilhite-St. Laurent; son-in-law, Ed St. Laurent; stepsons Boscoe Wilhite and Ronald Ervin Wilhite, and many other friends and family that were dear to her heart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Mary Lou Miller, and granddaughter, Alexandrea Paige Wilhite. Mary’s family will hold a celebration of life at a later date at Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville, Florida. In place of flowers, for those who are able, please consider donating to Feline Advocates of Leon County at https://www.falccats.com/donate in support of the local places Mary treasured and where she created lasting memories with her family, Fat Cat Café and Fat Cat Books. We say this earthly goodbye with love to the strongest woman we've ever known, and we hope she can now journey to all the places and experience everything she dreamed of for her “next life.” Skip & Trey Young along with Paula and Kimberly are caring for and assisting the family. 850-926-5919 Familyfhc.com

Mary Jane Wilhite

June 27, 1951 - July 13, 2024