Jerlene (Scott) Dias, 76, of Frankfort, went to her eternal home with the Lord on March 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family from a lengthy battle of what medically was diagnosed as heart issues, but her family believes it was caused by her giving unconditional love for all through her life. She was born to Oscar and Mabel (Cottrell) Scott in Rose Hill, Virginia on July 6, 1949. She moved to Frankfort as a teenager but always had her heart in Virginia Mountains and wildflower prairies.
Jerlene attended Rose Hill schools where she would tell the story of how her and her siblings would cross over the water by a swinging bridge to school and back. She later attended Frankfort school. She worked at Jewel Siemons and Mallory Controls. In 1992 she started her own home cleaning business that she ran for the 15 years. She married Don Whiteman in June of 1965 and later were divorced, but remained life-long friends. She met Roberto Dias in 1980, and the married in 1990. He preceded her in passing in October of 2024.
Jerlene is survived by her children, Tina (Brad) Emery, Shannon Whiteman, Lisa (Tony) Martin, Crystal Villanueva, all of Frankfort and Michelle Glazer of Greenfield; brother, Melvin Scott; sisters, Linda (Max) Parke and Vinnie Hinkle; grandchildren, Jerry and Alicia Montalvo, Lance (Joanna) Leman, Keshia (Thomas) Goode, Tanner and Taya Martin, Cameron and Madalyn Warf, and Chase Brooks; great-grandchildren, Jace Montalvo, Cayden and Bailey Bowers, Braxton Whiteman, Madyson, Parker and Lyla Leman, and Levi Michael Goode expected in September; and several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Along with her husband, Jerlene is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lonnie, Fred, Ken, William, John David and infant Tommy Scott; and a sister, Lori Bridgeman.
Jerlene will be remembered for her witty southern humor, love for animals and nature, her fierce protection over her loved ones, and warmth of peace to all she loved. Her genuine loyalty of love will never be forgotten along with her strong faith of the Lord. She enjoyed sitting under the “Family Tree” laughing and carrying conversations on sunny summer days, antiquing in local thrift stores, playing lottery tickets, and having coffee on the front porch listening to the birds sing. Jerlene was loved by many and achieved a lot in her lifetime, however her biggest honor at the age of 62, was raising her great-granddaughter, Baley Ann, from newborn to teenager.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1pm until the time of the service at 3pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Pastor James Bernard will officiate. Burial will follow at Bunnell Cemetery.
The family would like to thank all the family and friends that have provided comfort, prayers, and food through the past two weeks as well as Red Crest Hospice, Rev. James Bernard and Victory Chapel for all the love and support. “We will always carry you in our hearts, Momma. Thank you for everything.”
Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.