Last night I got a call from an old friend in Indiana letting me know that my friend Jan Whittenberg had passed away. When the phone rang at 11:00 last night, and the caller ID said Duane, I already knew what had happened. Jan’s health had greatly deteriorated last week as she’s been fighting cancer since early spring. My wife and I are saddened by our loss. Sara has had some wonderful phone conversations with her over the past few weeks and months and I’m so blessed that I was able to spend several hours with her back in July. We’re so grateful.
Jan is an amazing woman. Sara and I moved to southern Indiana back in 2000 where I got my first full time Children’s Ministry job at Graceland Baptist Church. I met Jan while interviewing for the job. She was beginning to volunteer for the Children’s Ministry, a grandmother raising her two grandsons. After moving to Indiana, she quickly became family to Sara and I. When we were sick, we’d call “Nene” and she’d bring us medicine, food or whatever else we needed. She’d take us to the airport, give us rides when the car broke down or have us over for dinner when we were missing our families.
Jan had the true gift of hospitality. Anytime there was a wedding or funeral, she would coordinate. The bigger the party the better it was for Jan to be involved. As a part of my leadership team, she completely oversaw our Halloween Family Fun Fest that continually brought in between 6,000 to 9,000 people. She would put together a team of 40-50 coordinators, plan this $60-80,000 event and raise most of the money herself to pay for it. She did all of this to be a blessing to her community. I’ve never met anyone who loved her community more than Jan Whittenberg. I’d often joke with her about bringing her to Texas to be a community outreach director at the churches I was at and she’d always reply that she just couldn’t leave southern Indiana. It was her home as well as her mission field.
What’s hardest about loosing Jan is that in her I just lost one of my biggest fans. She’s one of those people who loves you, believes in you and regularly lets you know it. I’m not one of those people who needs frequent pats on the back, but it’s always nice to know who your fans are. Other than my wife and my mom, Jan was my biggest fan. She always knew I wouldn’t be at Graceland forever. The day I visited her to tell her I’d taken a job in Texas, she knew it before I had the chance to tell her. She believed in me when I was struggling with myself and she was such an encourager when I was going through difficult situations.
Probably even more than Sara and I, Jan LOVED Titus. Although she only met him once, she’d constantly harass me about putting pictures and videos up on my blog or facebook account. She was so proud of us and loved us so much. It’s always sad losing someone you love, but even more sad when you lose someone that loves you so much.
Jan, we love you! We’re so glad you’re at rest with your savior, but we’re going to miss you terribly. As so few people do, you’ve made an impact on the lives of so many, especially me and my little family. Now get to work, I’m sure you have some parties and receptions to plan and carry out there in heaven! 🙂
You’ve written a lovely tribute to your friend, Kenny.
I was talking to a friend last night who is helping to nurse her grandmother in her last days. We talked about how we’re jealous of those who “go home” before us; we only mourn because it’s US who misses THEM. Clearly they’re better off!
Jan sounds like a peach. I know you’ll miss her and think of her often… and what more could a woman want as a legacy?
.-= Lisa@put-it-on-the-list´s last blog ..Should The Church Play It Safe? =-.
Kenny,
Awesome tribute to a very deserving lady. Thanks for introducing Lizzie and I to Jan. She touched our lives for years after camp.
Her boys mean a lot to us and we are saddened by the news but rejoicing in her party in Heaven. Praying for you guys during this tough time.
Josh
Thanks Lisa! Yeah, she’s left an amazing legacy.
Kenny & Sara,
I know this is a difficult time with losing such an incredible friend and fan in Jan! I only wish I could have met her and been part of the receiving end of her wisdom. You guys are so incredibly blessed to have been loved and cared for by her and I know the memories that you hold so deep in your heart will last you a lifetime! Thank You God for this incredible woman for though you have called her home, she still continues to touch those who haven’t had the opportunity to meet her and get to know her because she MADE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of those I love! Praying for you guys and those Jan has left behind!
Lifting you both up right now. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Many of us could only hope to leave such a legacy.
.-= gina´s last blog ..Building Up: the ripple effect =-.
Kenny, I never met you all but we are at Graceland and you hit the nail on the head with Jan, also our “Nene!” She took my family and I under her wing when my husband Ken was in Iraq last year. She just became like a mother and grandmother to my girls and I. She brought us food, watched my girls when I needed a breather, she even set up a once a month Mommies Night Out for all the military wives in our company! She was so awesome and although I know she is in a better place…she has left a void in our lives and will be greatly missed!
In Christ,
Tammy Freitas and Family