Lois Griffin Whitley, age 98, died Saturday evening, December 11, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. Born August 26, 1923, in Franklin County, she was a daughter of the late Johnnie Melville Griffin and Katie Belle Gupton Griffin. She was the widow of Henry Harper Whitley, Sr.. Lois was preceded in death by her brother, Melville Griffin, her sister, Margaret Gupton, and her daughter-in-law, Cindy Whitley. She was a founding and active member of Sharon Baptist Church in Smithfield for over 55 years. Lois enjoyed singing in the church choir and participating in the Philathea Sunday school class and WMU.
A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 2:00 pm in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, N. C., with the Rev. Todd Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm just prior to the service. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield, N. C..
Surviving are: her son, Henry H. “Whit” Whitley, Jr. and wife, Linda of Smithfield; her daughter, Sylvia Pleasant and husband, Mike of Raleigh; her son, John Whitley and wife, Barbara of Clayton; and her grandchildren, Rob Pleasant of Clayton, Lydia Moore and husband, Andy of Smithfield, Henry H. “Hank” Whitley, III and wife, Laura of Leland, Kate Filmer-Wilson and husband, Robin of London, England; and her great-grandchildren, Hampton, Griffin, Whitley Kate, Katelyn, Abby, Logan, Grace, Arthur, Judy Grace, Ginny Belle, Harper and Henry Harper Whitley, IV. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Johnston Home Care and Hospice.
The family members would like to thank her caregivers of over 4 years, Kim Bissette, Debbie Hodges, Alice Hill, Nan Alphin, and Darlene Jernigan for the love that they showed while caring for their mother.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.
Home Lois Griffin Whitley
