Eugenia I. Weatherby

Eugenia Irene Weatherby, nee Wharton, the fifth of six children born to James and Madeline Wharton was born on June 15, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Eugenia departed this life on December 21, 2017. She was preceded in death by her daughter and son- in-law, Margo (John) Reynolds, parents, brothers, James and Joseph Wharton, and sisters, Sarah, Alicia, and Eucharist, her dear friends and brother and sisters- in- law, Fred, (Lula) Curry, and Betty (Glen) Nelson. Jean (which is only one of her affectionate names that also included, Sweet Tee, Granny, Gigi, Ms. B, and others) graduated from MacDonald 45 High School in New Orleans, Louisiana and completed one year of college. She was a faithful active member of New Light Baptist Church, a church founded by her maternal and paternal grandparents. As a young adult she often served as the Church Pianist. Eugenia married the late Eugene Weatherby, a career Solider, and as a military family they were stationed in several locations in the United States and twice in Germany. They were the parents of two daughters, Andre Weatherby Rawls, JD, PsyD, and the late Margo Weatherby Reynolds, MBA. A very talented person, her gifts included playing the piano, cooking, and sewing. She was infamous at St. Andrew for her punchbowl cake and made wedding and prom dresses for many young women in the city. She had the unique ability to turn any picture into a garment without a pattern. She had a very sharp mind, an amazing memory, and she loved winning at Dominoes and Scrabble. In 1961, Jean and her daughters settled in Kansas City, Missouri, where she gained employment at Fashionbuilt Garment Company until her retirement in 1991, as a Pieceworker, hand sewing fur collars on coats. She was also a private Seamstress to the public and worked for several local dry cleaners making alterations. She believed there was nothing she could not make, and she made everything from men?s hats to reupholstering sofas. For several years, she was the Church Musician for East Side New Hope Baptist Church. She later joined St. Andrew United Methodist Church, a dearly cherished extended family. She served in ministries including Senior Choir, Communion Stewart, drove the church van and was a member of the Golden Circle. Eugenia Irene Weatherby is fondly remembered by her daughter, Andre; grandchildren: Alprentice Rawls and wife Sabrina, Kijuana McKinnie and husband Pierre, Shaka Rawls and wife Rukiya, and John W. T. Reynolds; she was a beloved Gigi to: Dy?momd, Ambriah, Josiah, Ahmari, Jaylah, and Samira; she was considered a mother and dear friend to a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends; her first cousin, Helen Howard and high school friend Rachel Gerrard were her comfort until the very end. Mother (Mama Jean) was loved by more Godchildren and families then space will accommodate. Funeral Service for Eugenia Irene Weatherby will be held Saturday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 4601 Benton Blvd. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Private Disposition.

Eugenia I. Weatherby

June 15, 1928 - December 21, 2017