Barbara Jeane Wilhite, 88, of Greenville, died on June 21, 2026, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, surrounded by her loving family.
Visitation will occur from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 27, at the Assalley Funeral Home, located at 118 E. College Avenue, in Greenville. Funeral will follow at 11 a.m.
Burial will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery in rural Sorento following the funeral service.
Mrs. Wilhite was born on August 24, 1937, in Heber Springs, AR, the daughter of James Alfred and Jannie Catherine (Link) Hines. She married Walter Leon Wilhite in Florence, MS, on July 3, 1954, and they were happily married for over 69 years.
Family was very important to Mrs. Wilhite. She loved all her children, but her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She was an avid quilter, and it consumed most of her time. She made sure every family member had at least one quilt, if not several, and each newborn received a hand quilted tree blanket for diaper changes and naps at preschool.
She was a member of the Sorento Presbyterian Church, the Eastern Star and was a Bond County School District bus driver for over 30 years. The kids on her bus route named her ‘Red’ and ‘Killer’ and have been known to reference her as such to present day.
Mrs. Wilhite is survived by her children, Sandra (Daniel) Kuhn of Pocahontas, James Leon (Shelly) Wilhite of Sorento and Michael (Jane) Wilhite of Greenville; honorary son, David (Deb) Massena of Sorento; grandchildren, Kelly, Dennis, Nathan, Annie, Angie, Amy, Lorelei, Michael, Patricia, Nicole, James and Jeffrey; 35 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and siblings, Thelma Dawson, Joseph Alan Hines, and James Alfred Hines Jr.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given at the visitation or funeral or mailed to: Sunnyside Cemetery Association, PO Box 267, Sorento, IL 62086 and/or the Bond County Shrine Club, PO Box 140, Pocahontas, IL 62275.
The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the arrangements.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
