Whitney Jae Pilkington
Whitney Jae Pilkington unexpectedly departed on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Bangs, Texas, at the age of 39. Her roles as confidant, wife, mother, sister, and daughter were all cut short, leaving an indelible void. Born in Abilene, Texas, on February 1, 1984, to David and Kelly Adams, Whitney completed their family on her arrival.
Whitney attended high school in Moran, Texas, and later earned her Associate’s Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. She devoted herself to helping others who were battling addiction, working within the TDCJ prison system and serving as Program Director and Executive Director in the private sector.
Married to her soulmate Mark since October 21, 2006, they recently celebrated 17 years of marriage. Whitney’s love for music and karaoke and with her vibrant personality made her the life of any gathering. Her intelligence, humor, and quick wit were unmatched – engaging in a war of words with her was a risky venture.
Diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2012, Whitney faced physical challenges, yet her sense of humor and counseling spirit remained unbroken. Despite battling CIDP, she continued to inspire and connect with others, even during hospital stays.
Whitney’s deep love for her daughter, Presley Harlow, was evident in every aspect of her life. Their newest companion, Jupiter, became Whitney’s loyal sidekick, adding joy to their home.
Recently undergoing a stem cell transplant in Costa Rica, Whitney embraced life with newfound vigor. She enthusiastically tackled household tasks, prompting Presley to question her sudden love for cleaning. Her strength, resilience, and ability to find humor in adversity defined her journey.
Whitney was preceded in death by her mother, Kelly Adams. She is survived by her husband, Mark Pilkington; daughters, Presley Pilkington of Breckenridge and Amber Reedy with son-in-law Andrew Reedy of Graham, Texas; her father, David Adams of Breckenridge; sister, Torre McCormick and brother-in-law Chris McCormick of Eastland, Texas; grandsons, Bretton and Ethan Reedy of Graham; nephews and nieces, Audrey Mendoza of Chicago, as well as Jaxon Adams, Ian Adams, and Zade Stewart all of Eastland; parents-in-law, Marcus and Anita Pilkington, and Steve and Bettye Rose-Valdez; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Here’s to our cherished friend, who left us with laughter amidst tears. A counselor at heart, Whitney guided us with compassion, understanding, and humor. Her legacy is woven into the lives she touched, forever remembered with love.
Whitney’s funeral service at Gunsight Baptist Church will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, with Jared Johnson, pastor of The Woodbridge Church in Ranger, officiating. Interment at the Breckenridge Cemetery will immediately follow the funeral. The family will welcome friends for a visitation at the church on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. All services are under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.
Memorial donations in Whitney’s name can be made to Cook Children’s Medical Center and can be left at the funeral home. Messages of condolence can be left online at meltonkitchens.com.
