Violet “Jean” White, 76, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at Majestic Care Deming. She was born on July 8, 1950, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, to Jack White and Leila Whittsman White.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Rose) Jeffers; grandchildren, April Crow and John (Katie) Jarvis III; great-grandchildren, Audrey Willis, Rhetta Willis, Zoey Willis, and Joshua Lindsay; and great-great-grandchild, Rocky Camp. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Jr. (Terri) White, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jean fearlessly came out in the late 1960’s during a time when doing so was far from accepted, courageously blazing a trail for future generations. Her strong work ethic showed throughout her life. She worked at Scullin Steel in St. Louis, Missouri, before returning to Indiana to attend Vincennes University. She went on to work at J.I. Case until its closure, then began a long career with Eli Lilly in Clinton. She later transferred to Eli Lilly in Indianapolis, retiring in 2010 before moving back home to Terre Haute.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, Jean also bartended at R-Place, a beloved local spot and gathering space for the community. In 1980, she met the love of her life, Joan “Gilly” Gilliland. When same-sex marriage became legal in California, they traveled there to make their union official.

Jean lived life with a sense of adventure and joy. She and Gilly loved setting off on spontaneous road trips to discover hidden gem diners off the beaten path. Jean was an avid lottery player, always convinced that one day she would hit it big. Above all else, Jean cherished her family and adored spending time with her son, grandchildren, and loved ones.

Preceding Jean in death were her beloved wife, Joan "Gilly" Gilliland; her youngest grandson, Richard Samuel Jeffers; her twin sister, Viola “Jane” White; her father, Jack White Sr.; her mother, Leila Housewright; her stepfather, Roscoe Housewright; and her niece, Etta Denny.

Per Jean's wishes, cremation was chosen. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Dresser Park, 300 S. Schley Place, West Terre Haute, IN. Carry-in food is welcomed for the dinner.