Jean Wharmby was born in March 1957, at Openshaw, Manchester, and attended the Elysian Street and Spurley Hey Schools. Her family moved to Glossop when she was 12 and she attended Glossop Comprehensive School (now Glossopdale Comprehensive School).
Upon leaving school, Mrs Wharmby attended Tameside College, where she studied Catering and qualified as a Chef, at City and Guilds level. After college, Mrs Wharmby became Head Chef at Woodheys, in Marple.
In 1980, she married George Wharmby and they have two sons, George and David, a grandson Isaac and a Labrador named Ben.
Jean and George Wharmby were the licensees at the Royal Oak and owner of The George Hotel, in Glossop, until 2004. They now run Wharmby’s Sandwich Shop, which is a family business.
Mrs Wharmby is a Trustee for Age Concern; a volunteer for Time Out and Community Transport; chairman of the Ladies Section of the Royal British Legion; ambassador to the Girl Guides, Pennine Division and Fellow of the British Institute of Innkeepers.
She has represented Dinting Ward at High Peak Borough Council since 2005.
Mrs Wharmby is a "people" person, whose hobbies include swimming, reading and cooking.
Her husband, George accompanies her, as the Mayor's consort.
Incidentally, George Wharmby’s great-grandfather was first elected to Glossop Borough Council in 1904 and was later made an Alderman. Mr Wharmby is himself the County Councillor for Glossop North and Rural.