Beatrice Linda Whitener Cooney

She was a dedicated and tireless wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and neighbor. Bea was born in El Paso, Texas where she graduated from El Paso High School. Bea spoke often of her faith as a life-long follower of Jesus Christ. She believed deeply in the power of prayer and was widely known to pray spontaneously among her friends.

Bea spent the earlier years of her life traveling the world alongside her then-husband, Jack “Tom” Whitener, which she enjoyed to the fullest. Throughout her life, Bea would proudly recount sightseeing stories from Japan, Italy, Milan, South Korea, and far-ranging places throughout Europe and Asia. After living in New Hampshire from 1992-1998, Bea and Tom moved to Florida in 1999 with their daughter, Connie.

In her senior years, Bea continued to energetically participate in new experiences, never worried of the unknown. She chose to see the best in all life offered her. In 2021, Bea excitedly married her husband Vernon “George” Cooney on Clearwater Beach, attended by a small group of family. Bea fully enjoyed the years married to George. She was proud of their drives in the Mustang convertible, their visits to Philippe Park for lunch dates, and their long-time regular attendance at church. Bea often described how much she loved George to family and friends.

More than anything, Bea enjoyed being in the company of family and friends. Over her 25 years as a resident of Pinellas County, FL, Bea gained countless friends. She gave each friendship her full attention and supported anyone she could, wherever she could, as frequently as she could. Bea was an undeniable force when it came to love. She encouraged others to resolve conflict, believe in positive outcomes, and enjoy life. Bea exemplified this to the fullest in the way she lived her life.

Bea was preceded in death by her former husband Jack “Tom” Whitener, and mother Stella Lira Suhrie. She is survived by her husband Vernon "George" Cooney, children Connie (Zane) Whitener Jungman and Scott (Ivy) Whitener; grandchildren David (28), John (23), Aaron (14), Payton (13), and Naomi (1); her sister Elizabeth (John) and brother Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Calvary Chapel in St. Petersburg, FL, the church Bea and George attended together.

Although Bea’s passing has deeply impacted her community, she would remind us all that “life is for enjoying!!”. She did not want any loved one mourning her absence, but instead finding solace in knowing she is now at peace.

Rest in peace, Mom!

Crossing Over

A poem by Vernon "George" Cooney

I used to think that dying was really such a drag

But now as I get closer, it doesn't seem so bad.

When you're standing here on earth, your heart is full of gloom

Theres sin and strife and suffering in each and every room.

All day long we work so hard to do the things we plan

Then we enter Heaven, and everything is grand.

There is God the Father, sitting on His throne

You see your friends and neighbors, you'll never be alone.

Everything you ever thought or ever you were told

the Sun is always shining bright; the streets are paved with gold.

The clouds are fluffy, white and full, the stars shine ever bright

There are never any scary things to give you such a fright.

The tree of life is full in bloom, so glorious to behold.

Here there are no aches and pains, you never will grow old.

You'll see the Lamb forever and worship at His feet

"Halleluiah, Praise the Lord", is our cry so sweet.

Life is like a river and you're standing on one shore

But when you bridge the channel, there's really so much more.

So don't be discouraged. Look forward to the day

when you cross the vortex, and with God you'll stay.