Vesta Jeannette Poag, 88, of Newberry, SC, died Sunday, June 29, 2025, at her residence. Born on November 27th, 1936, in Newberry, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Newton Dickert and Rebecca Alliene Waldrop Dickert. She was married to the late James Ervin Poag.

Jeannette, a beacon of love, selflessness, and devotion. Over the course of her life, she had touched countless lives with her warm heart and generous spirit.

Jeannette was deeply involved in her community, particularly through her church and various organizations. She was a valued member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and delighted in cooking for church functions. Her involvement with the Gold & Silver Club and United Methodist Women exemplified her unwavering dedication to the church and community service.

In her professional life, Jeannette made her mark as a dedicated employee of Monsanto for over 20 years. Her commitment to service extended beyond her occupation; she was a devoted volunteer at the Newberry Hospital and Mid-Carolina High School. She later became employed by MCHS where she retired after 20 years. for which she was honored with the Support Person of the Year award. Before her official employment, she was also celebrated as the Newberry County's Volunteer of the Year.

Jeannette's legacy of love continues through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were her greatest pride and joy. Jeannette's family was the centerpiece of her life, and she found immense joy in hosting birthday dinners and Holidays. She often rose early on Sundays to prepare meals filled with love. Her cooking, especially her famed banana pudding, was a highlight of many gatherings,

Jeannette will be remembered for her unwavering love for others, her smile that lit up the room, her infectious laughter, and her boundless generosity. Her spirit of kindness and joy will continue to inspire everyone blessed to have known her.

She is survived by her daughters, Lori Leavell Meetze and Rebecca Allene "Becky" Poag; sister, Rebecca Dickert Street; granddaughters, Nena Auton and Heather Auton (James Leitner); grandsons, Tyler Poag (Nikki) and Brian Bleichner; great grandchildren, Madisen Stroud, Brooklyn Harris, Emily Stroud, Kade Bleichner, Gracyn Koon, Colton Poag and Emalyn Poag; great-great grandchildren, Hadley and Blake Alexander and Isla Harris. She is also survived by her special friend, Lynn Maness.

In addition to her husband, James Poag, she is preceded in death by sons, Wilson Benjamin "Benji" Leavell and James "Jim" Newton Poag; grandson, Shannon Stroud; granddaughter, Vana Jeannette Auton; and a great-great-grandson, Ryker Wilson Bleichner.

Pallbearers will be Ray Cooper, Jackie Harris, Vernon Corley, Jamie Capps, Allen Cooke and Craig Kesler.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Cathy Shealy, Allison Manning, Bernardo Hospice team, Jennifer Schwoebel, Shianna Culclasure and Marina Fulmer.

The family will gather for visitation at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry, SC, on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Newberry, SC.

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor online at:

https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate

or by mail:

Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901

Memories and condolences can be shared here on her tribute wall.

Arrangements are being handled by Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.