MARY ELIZABETH ATKINSON WHITMAN
May 8, 1922-May 9, 2016
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Atkinson Whitman, 94, Magnolia, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016.
She was born May 8, 1922, to the late Thomas Hadley and Nettie Long Atkinson in Duplin County.
After graduating from Kenansville School, she married the late Rodolph Whitman, and started a family. Their marriage welcomed seven children, who can all attribute their best qualities to the examples she set for them. She considered her children and their families her greatest accomplishment.
She set an example of a strong work ethic and loyalty for her family through her 25 years of service at (Vidant) Duplin General Hospital.
Her loyalty continued in later years when, during illness, she found comfort in knowing she was cared for at “Duplin General.”
In later years, she was able to enjoy traveling, quilting, gardening and watching her family grow.
Her kind, caring and patient nature earned friendships with anyone she came in contact with, and her friends were always welcomed into her family.
Her annual Christmas Eve family event welcomed all of her family, including its honorary members.
Anyone who knew her well, also knew how delicious her biscuits were, and how quickly she could have a pan ready. She had an amazing talent of making everyone feel special, and those acts will be forever treasured.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Rose Marie Whitman Rich; son-in-law, Tommy Chestnutt; and nine siblings.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Whitman Chesnutt of Magnolia, Joan Whitman Southerland and husband, Wayland, of Mount Olive, Reba Whitman Futrell and husband, Wayne, of Warsaw and Sylvia Whitman Houston and husband, Jeff, of Kenansville; two sons, Rodolph Wayne Whitman and wife, Kathy, of Kenansville and Richard “Peanut” Whitman and wife, Nona, of Warsaw; a son-in-law, Jimmie Rich of Kenansville; many nieces and nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own; and a tight woven network of 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, who will always remember how she maintained a special connection with each one individually.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016, in Kenansville Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Devotional Gardens Cemetery Warsaw, N.C.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The family will also see friends at other times at the home of Teresa W. Chestnutt 816 S. N.C. 11, Magnolia, N.C.
Pride in oneself and dignity were two values very important to her.
A special thanks to the staff of Parrish Family Home of Warsaw for its hard work in helping her maintain those values during her final months.
Services entrusted to Rogers and Breece Funeral Home and Fayetteville Cremation Services.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 11, 2016 7:50 PM