Estelita Rey Whitt, 90, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2026. Born on May 6, 1936, in Romblon, Philippines, she was the daughter of Juan and Segunda Rey.

In her early twenties, Estelita married Virgil P. Whitt Jr., a U.S. Air Force serviceman with 22½ years of dedicated service. Their love story began in the Philippines and blossomed into a marriage that bridged two cultures and continents. Together they built a home and family, eventually settling in Arkansas near Little Rock Air Force Base, where the Whitt Family and the strong Filipino community welcomed them warmly.

Estelita's name means "little star," and that is how she will always be remembered — a shining light of grace and love. Her journey from the islands of Romblon through wartime hardship, across oceans to a new life in America, and into the hearts of all who knew her stands as a beautiful testament to the power of faith, family, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts.

Estelita is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Dialyn Rey Powers and Michael Powers; grandchildren, Amanda Renee Newport and Patrick Lawrence Mackey IV; and two siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Segunda Rey, and her husband Virgil.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses and caregivers of Life Touch Health Hospice for their compassionate support during her final days.

There will be visitation on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00p.m. at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home, 1504 N JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas.

On Friday, May 29, 2026, there will be a rosary service beginning at 9:30a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 2403 McArthur Dr., Jacksonville, Arkansas. Following the service, family and friends are invited to remain for a time of food and fellowship at the church.

Burial will follow at 12:30p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 1504 N JP Wright Loop Road, Jacksonville, Arkansas.