Pauline Parker Batts

Mrs. Pauline P. Batts, 70 of Dunn left her earthly home at 6:39 am on Sunday (Valentine’s Day) February 14, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Pauline was born in Smithfield on January 5, 1946 the daughter of the late Oras Able Whittenton and Dora Melissa Whittenton. She is preceded in death by 5 Brothers, Silas F. Whittenton, Edward M. (E.M.) Whittenton, Oras A, Whittenton, Jr., Willard P. Whittenton & William Smith and 3 Sisters, Gertrude W. Ferral, Florence W. McLeod & Rachel W. Tart. Pauline deeply loved her family and was always there for them. She loved having them all around her. She also loved the earth and considered it her garden. She enjoyed digging in the dirt and watching things grow. Pauline’s father, Oras, was a farmer and she never lost his love of gardening and watching things grow. She is known for her caring and accepting personality and deep love for all those who she adopted into her family. Pauline worked for many years in the grocery business, both at Byrd’s Food Store and Carlie C’s IGA as a produce manager where she continued to use her knowledge from her years of growing up on the farm. She was recognized in her field, winning several national awards for her creative displays and ability to make sure her farmers provided her with the best quality produce. She enjoyed her work because she built relationships with both her farmers and her customers who she considered family. A Celebration of Pauline’s wonderful life will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016 at 11:00 am at Devotional Gardens Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Preddy & Rev. Randy Beasley officiating. She is survived by her loving husband, William Charles (Bill) Batts of the home. Her Children: Billie Jean Whittenton of Burgaw, NC; Michelle P. Gainey & (husband) Steve of Benson, NC; Tina W. Neighbors & (husband) Jeff of Dunn, NC; Angela Croom & (husband) Chris of Stantonsburg, NC; Carol Hartley & (husband) Kenny of Erwin, NC and William Edward (Eddie) Batts of Fuquay-Varina, NC. 6 Grandchildren: Who called her MiMi: Maria Keel, Madison Hartley, Ethan Hartley, Colton Neighbors, Caleb Neighbors and Owen Croom. 5 Sisters: Reta R. Owens & (husband) John of Madison, Al.; Carolyn W. Evans & (husband) Terry of Dunn, NC; Margaret Underwood of Smithfield, NC; Glendora W. Maynard of Dunn, NC and Dorothy Kilgore of Benson, NC. Many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Family will receive friends Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cromartie Miller Funeral Home in Dunn and at other times at the home, 196 Jernigan Rd. Dunn, NC. ....