Thelma Hale Whisnant

She was preceded in death by her father, Kaywood, mother, Edna, sister, Kay, and brothers, Jimmy and Johnny. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Lemuel Whisnant, Jr.; sons, Bill (Tracey), Ron (Linda), and Barry; daughters Robin and Ann (James); grandchildren, Brian (Leslie), Justin (Alyssa), Jessica (Mark), David, Hale, Leah, Austin, and Ashleigh; great grandchildren, Beau, Noelle, Anderson, and Ellie; and her sister, Margaret.

Thelma was faithful. She was a devoted servant of God for the majority of her life. She was a leader in her church and was always telling people about the gift of Jesus.

Thelma was selfless and gifted. She constantly gave to other people, whether it was fundraising at church or volunteering for local charities. She used her creative gifts to cheerfully make quilts, stockings, blankets, scrapbooks, cards, wall hangings, cakes, pies, and candies for so many people. Through the years, we encouraged her to sell some of her creations, but she would never consider it. She just loved making things for people just to see the joy on their faces.

She was loving. She loved all those around her, especially her family and friends. With everything she did, she poured love in all those she knew and even those she didn’t know. She always wanted to make sure everyone around her was included and knew they were welcome, wanted, and loved.

She was festive. Christmas was her by far her favorite holiday. The Gazette wrote an article a few years ago highlighting the Christmas tree she keeps up year-round. The year-round tree holds homemade and keepsake ornaments for everyone and every milestone in our family.

Finally, she was a force…a force in all things she touched. When she did something, she gave 100% or she didn’t do it. She was like a hurricane when she walked in a room…everyone knew she was there. She was magnetic and colorful. She made wearing a pen behind her ear fashionable. She was a formidable businesswoman who built and sustained a successful business for almost 40 years. She was the first woman to Chair the Gastonia Optimist Club. She loved to travel far and often. She especially loved traveling to Alaska, Yellowstone, The Grand Tetons, and Hawaii. Wild bears and buffaloes were her favorite sights to see.

God broke the mold when he made this amazing woman.

Arrangements:

- Visitation – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Sunday December 18, 2022 Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054

- Funeral – 11:00 am – Monday December 19, 2022 Zion Baptist Church, 2437 Propst Street, Gastonia, NC 28056

- Graveside Committal after Funeral – Gaston Memorial Park, 1200 S New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054

Flowers are appreciated, but if preferred, donations to Zion Baptist Church are appreciated.

Fond memories of Thelma and condolences for the family can be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Whisnant Family.