All who knew Whitney Wiley describe her as an incredible human being — compassionate and caring, purpose-driven, and guided by her faith. Justin Wiley would be the first to tell you that Whitney’s life was a gift of love. Whitney, devoted daughter, wife, and mom, passed away in September 2022 from a rare and aggressive form of cervical cancer. From her diagnosis in 2019, through a radical hysterectomy, and the holistic treatment she sought out afterward, she was steadfast and determined. When the cancer returned in 2021, Whitney took her seemingly countless rounds of chemo and radiation like a champ — fighting with all the energy and strength she could muster, though the cancer kept spreading at an alarming rate. She trusted in God, but still it was hard to leave people she loved behind. Whitney’s parents, Tony and Annette Kreifels, her husband Justin, and their incredible kids, 11-year-old Landon and 8-year-old Harper, made it clear to Whitney that her fight was a family battle. Landon made up the family slogan, “no one fights alone,” and he and Harper led Whitney’s army of supporters.

The mirrors that reflect the light

Whitney, a preschool teacher at Pershing Elementary School, had a passion for her students and deep empathy for the plight of the struggling families among them. In fact, Whitney just loved helping others. She married a guy with a giving heart, and they instilled in their kiddos the importance of giving back, of making a difference in your corner of the world. They rang Salvation Army bells as a family, packed and distributed care packages for the homeless in the summer, and participated in local food drives. Regardless of her own circumstances, Whitney shone her very bright light. Justin and the kids, who were the mirrors who reflected that light, continue to spread love in her name. Jessica Sweeney, Whitney’s best friend, nominated the Wiley family for a Magic Moment. She felt that honoring Whitney’s memory may ease some of the family’s pain this holiday season. UBT agreed and set about to do just that.

Given Whitney’s desire to help others, UBT, our amazing partners, and the Magic Moments crew felt that enhancing Whitney’s already poignant legacy was indeed called for, so a bench in the Pershing Elementary school garden — donated on behalf of the Wiley family — honors Whitney’s dedication to her students. A generous donation was also established on behalf of the family to the Pershing Elementary emergency fund for providing students with winter coats and clothing, as well as bringing the student lunch ledger to a zero balance. It’s our hope that this support extends the season’s warm glow to others — a biggie in Whitney’s world — and continues to warm and feed these youngsters for years to come.

Engraved gifts for the family, including Whitney’s parents, and a fun night of bowling — a Wiley family favorite — round out this special moment for a very special family.

We’re wishing the Wiley and Kreifels families some magic this holiday season, and we’ll be thinking of Whitney, too. It won’t be easy, but we hope to make it a bit brighter. Happy holidays, Wiley family!