Jeanette W. Cloudas
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA – Jeanette Marie (Wilkinson) Cloudas, 75, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Jeanette was born in Richmond on February 24, 1951 and was a daughter of the late Leroy Kenneth and Alma Gertrude (Sadler) Wilkinson.
She pursued a degree in music, but suspended her studies to raise her family. Later, she completed an associate’s degree in art at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She was a gifted vocalist and enjoyed singing in a number of choral groups over her lifetime, including the Fort Lauderdale Symphony Orchestra Choir, the Reveille United Methodist Church choir in Richmond, and the Staunton Choral Society. Singing to the Lord was her passion!
Jeanette was employed in a wide assortment of environments throughout her lifetime. Prior to her recent retirement, she served as secretary of Loch Willow Presbyterian Church in Churchville.
Her artistic nature found a home in many other areas as well, including crafts, cooking, and fashion. Jeanette was a very social, engaging lady who could instantly turn strangers into friends. She was also tenderhearted and empathetic, and quietly supported numerous charities. Jeanette was a devoted mother to her children, and embraced her role as “Mimi” to her four beloved grandchildren. In spite of a lifetime of hardships, trials and physical pain, she was determined to enjoy life. She loved learning and growing. She brought fun and joy to everyone around her. She also loved all-things French; some of her favorite memories were from a trip to Paris with her daughter.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, and by brothers Leroy Kenneth “Roy” Wilkinson, Jr. and William Earl “Wilkie” “Billy” Wilkinson. Surviving are two children, Annette Cheri Kahrs (husband Frank) of Staunton and Terry Dean Ratliff (wife Lisa) of Dover, Del.; sister Carolyn Wilkinson Hurst of Williamsburg; sister-in-law Brenda Wilkinson of Fishersville; former sister-in-law Carol Creasy of Richmond; grandchildren Gillian Dean Kahrs, Genna Marie Kahrs, Luke Sadler Ratliff and Cole Louis Ratliff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 17 in Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Bobby Campbell. For those desiring to pay respects, her casket will be open for a period of time before the service begins.
A reception in the church fellowship hall will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Jeanette’s favorite charities: Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org), and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (www.imaginationlibrary.com).
Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be made to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com
