Juanita Fern (Reeves) Whelchel

Juanita Fern Reeves Whelchel, 97, of Poplar Bluff, went to her heavenly home Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at her residence, with her loving family at her bedside.

Juanita, the daughter of Ulric and Lena (Redwine) Reeves, was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Pitman, Arkansas.  She graduated from high school in Corning, Arkansas and was a long-time member of Bluff City Apostolic Worship Center in Poplar Bluff.  Juanita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, who devoted her life to taking care of her family.  She also enjoyed quilting, embroidery work, word search puzzles and reading.

She married Homer E. Whelchel on June 5, 1943, in Corning.  This past June they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

In addition to her husband Juanita is survived by three daughters, Sherry Rommel and Althea Whelchel of Poplar Bluff and LaDonna Cordell of Bowling Green, Kentucky; a son-in-law Bob Moore of Broseley; nine grandchildren, Scott (Leigh Anne) Rommel and Steve (Melanie) Rommel of Poplar Bluff, Misti (John) Carrigan, Chad (Jamie)  Cordell  and Derek Cordell all of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bobby (Kim) Moore of Broseley, Rodney Moore of Poplar Bluff, Terry (Rhonda) Moore of Broseley and Rusty Moore of Marble Hill; 24 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law Bill (Linda) Whelchel of Poplar Bluff; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Ennis of Success, Arkansas and Ruth Pond of  West Plains, Missouri; and many nephews, nieces and a host of friends.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Peggy Moore; a son Kenny Whelchel; two sons-in-law, Joe Rommel and Larry Cordell, a great-great-grandchild Brantley Cordell, two sisters, Glenda Crafton and Maxine Crafton, and a brother Paul Reeves.

A private family service will be held Thursday at Bluff City Apostolic Church with Rev. Jerry Williams officiating and Rev. Ted Elledge assisting.  Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Juanita F. Whelchel.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservicecom.