Jean Y Wilhelm

In Loving Memory of Jean Wilhelm 

May 14, 1950 – April 22, 2026

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories." Jean Wilhelm—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and neighbor—passed away on April 22, 2026, due to heart failure complications. She was 75 years old. Born in North Bend, Oregon, on May 14, 1950, to Lula and Dale Smith, Jean was the middle child of a family whose journey took them from Grenada to the Willapa Valley, and eventually to Eugene, where she graduated from Willamette High School in 1968. Jean’s life was defined by a deep capacity to love, even through profound heartbreak. After the tragic loss of her son, Brenten, when he was only 19, she carried a strength that only a mother could know. Years later, life brought her back to a familiar face from her childhood—William L. Wilhelm. Though they had once passed each other as children in the hallways of Willapa Valley, they found their way back to one another later in life and shared many happy years together in Raymond. Jean found her greatest joy in the simple things: the quiet peace of her garden, the company of her animals, and the competitive fun of a card game. But nothing lit up her world quite like her family. Whether they were related by blood, marriage, or held "honorary" status, Jean’s smile was never brighter than when she was surrounded by her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. To Jean, a visit from a loved one was the greatest gift she could receive, and her laughter with her friends and neighbors in Raymond will be deeply missed. She is survived by her husband, William; her sisters, June Turner and Joan Walker; her children, Branten Bottom and Denna Wilhelm; her grandchildren, James, Arin, Dakota, Sabrina, Sonny and Bryson; and her great-grandchildren, Zooey, Bentley, and Layla. She also leaves behind her cherished nieces and nephews, Katy, Anthony, Willow, and Alex. She was preceded in death by her son, Brenten, and her parents. In keeping with her wishes, no formal service will be held. Her family will return her to the nature she loved so much, releasing her ashes in the Willapa Hills when the time is right.

She will be missed.