Joan Elrod Whitaker, 76, entered the gates to her heavenly home Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020.
Joan was born July 8, 1944 in Anderson, S.C., to William Thomas Elrod and Veta Caroline Eller Elrod, both deceased.
Joan grew up in Belmont and moved to Andrews when she married the love of her life, Willis Harold Whitaker, on Feb. 4, 1967.
Joan spent her lifetime praising and honoring her Lord and Savior. She traveled many miles and met many people during her ministry. There wasn’t anything that brought her more joy than singing about her God, except her grandchildren.
Over the years, she also worked in the sewing industry and Walmart Pharmacy.
She enjoyed babysitting, and kept many children over the years, too.
Joan leaves behind her devoted husband of 53 years, Willis; as well as daughters, Tammy Whitaker Stewart and husband Mike of Andrews; and Becky Whitaker Bridges and husband Calvin of Robbinsville.
She had six grandchildren, Kalece Sherrill of Andrews; Colton Stewart and wife Hannah of Lyman, S.C.; Cameron Fitzgerald of Andrews; Molly Pavelka and fiance Duke Price of Andrews; Tathum Stewart of Andrews; and Emily Bridges of Robbinsville. Joan also had one great-grandchild, Samuel Stewart of Lyman, S.C.
Joan grew up in a large family. She leaves behind her sister, Inez Lancaster, of Blacksburg, S.C., and sister-in-law, Joyce Elrod, of Bessemer City.
Joan was looking forward to her trip to Heaven to be reunited with her siblings and spouses gone on before her, Ann Teague and husband Austin of Dallas, N.C.; Lounell Horne and husband Joe of Gastonia; Barbara McCracken of Stecoah; Billy Elrod of Bessemer City; Ray Elrod of Belmont; and brother-in-law, Irvin Lancaster of Gastonia.
She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as tons of family and friends who will miss her dearly. She touched many lives during her time here on Earth.
Services were held Friday, Sept. 25, at Valleytown Baptist Church, of which she was a member. The church is located at 360 Wakefield Road in Andrews. Visitation was held from 1:30-3:30 p.m., with funeral following at 3:30 p.m. Interment was at Valley River Cemetery in Andrews.
Services were conducted by Eric Byrd and Eddie Hardin. Music was provided by Kalece Sherrill, Serenity Gibson, Emily Malin, Marty and Tammy Hooper, and Analasah Anderson.
Pallbearers were Mike Stewart, Mike Allison, Cameron Fitzgerald, Duke Price, Calvin Bridges, Luke Byrd, Alan Morgan and Wesley Morgan. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Williams, Jeremiah Wike and Justin Hyde.
You may send tributes to the Whitaker family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.