Willow Jean Whatley Colby, age 89, of Dade City, passed away on March 25th, 2026. Jean was born on July 21, 1936, in Cottonwood, Alabama to John Henry Whatley and Valita Davis Whatley with her twin brother Jack, who preceded her in death November 13, 2020. In addition to Jack, Jean had four older siblings – Henry Whatley, George Whatley, Annie Cooke, and Betty Frank, all preceding her in death. Also preceding her death is husband, Frederick W. Colby, Sr., her daughter and son, Jennifer Colby and Frederick W. Colby, Jr.

Jean married Fred in Dade City, Florida on June 13, 1954. It was love at first sight – marrying about one week after meeting. As a lover of life and travel, Jean lived a rich life. As a military wife, she enjoyed time in San Diego, California, Newport, Rhode Island, Tokyo, Japan, Singapore, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and retired with her husband in her hometown of Dade City, Florida.

Jean was a member of the Red Hats, the Garden Club, and the Leading Ladies of San Antonio. Florida. She retired from The Lykes Pasco citrus processing plant in Dade City; she worked in the plant and became the local union secretary of the Retail Wholesale, & Department Store Internation Union (RWDSU) for several years. She loved to golf in her earlier years, making Japanese flower arrangements, flowers, pottery, children, and animals. She had an enthusiastic sense of humor and did not hesitate to speak her mind.

Jean leaves behind her daughter Susan; adopted grand-daughters Kristen and Jennifer (Chad), daughters of Jennifer Colby; and two other grandchildren Veronica (Anthony) and Frederick William III (Brenda); and great-grandchildren Emma, Zachary, Madison, Taylor, and Erik.

The burial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 am and will take place at Hodges Family Funeral Home, located at 114412 US Hwy 301 in Dade City. The family will receive visitors one hour prior in the mausoleum on the hill at 10:00 am. A celebration of her life will be held at her home after the burial service.