Earlene L. Whittle, 88, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 in Virginia Beach, surrounded by her loving friends and family. Earlene was born on May 19th, 1929 in Ripley, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Ossie and Molly Long. Earlene worked as a Special Education Teacher’s Assistant for Virginia Beach Public Schools, an outspoken activist for mentally handicap education and was a longtime devoted member of Bayside Baptist Church, a Sunday school teacher, nursery coordinator, and WMU group leader. Earlene also served as a Brownie leader and GA leader. She loved children and children loved her.
Earlene met her husband- to-be Wayne who was on shore patrol in Memphis, TN, on New Year’s Eve 1951. They shared many years and adventures together while raising a family. Earlene passed on their 64th wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her husband, her daughter and son-in-law Rita & Louis Sutton of Mechanicsville, VA; her son, Gary Whittle of Virginia Beach, VA; her daughter and son-in-law Karen & Terry Cloer of Belmont, NC; her daughter Shari of Virginia Beach, VA; and her sister Gracie Olita Dunavent of Hernando, MS. Earlene also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Michael George (Angel) of Richmond, VA; Melody Wagner (Chris) of Portsmouth, VA; Edward George (Jenna) of Gastonia, NC; Caryn Cloer of Memphis, TN; and David George Jr. of Belmont, NC; and 5 beautiful great-grandchildren, Charlotte Avalon, Cailey Joyce, Kady Sue, Avery Sue, and Edward Wyatt. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Carol Diane, sisters Lillie Mae & Opal, and brothers Monroe Dwayne & Charles.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 21st, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Family Choice Funerals & Cremations 5401 Indian River Road Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017 at 11:00 am at Bayside Baptist Church 1920 Pleasure House Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Person’s Mailing Service in Virginia Beach, VA.
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Dearest Wayne,Shari and family, our hearts are forever grateful for Earlene’s love and friendship to our family. We have been friends and family for so many years. Her giving spirit, her kindness and her love for Jesus showed in all that she did. Gretchen was blessed to have her as her Sunday school teacher and 2nd mama. Much love to you all. We hold you close in prayer and forever friendship .Jim, Pam and Gretchen
I was sadden to hear of Earlene passing away. I share in your sadness as you remember her wonderful life. She was such a loving and accepting person. I send healing prayer and comforting hugs your way. I know that he many stories that will be told about Earlene’s great life with also bring healing. She will be truly missed.
I’m sorry for the loss of your loved one. It is comforting to know that your loved one is alive in God’s memory, God never loses sight of them. (Luke 20:38)
It is also comforting to know of a time when God promises to end death forever. (Rev 21:4)