Willene Whittemore

Willene Whittemore, a lifelong resident of Calhoun and Gordon County, entered life eternal on Tuesday July 12, 2011 at the age of 92. Born November 7, 1918, Mary Willene Gillespie, she and her twin sister were the oldest of 8 children of William and Mattie Mae Gillespie. Mrs. Whittemore was the wife of Floyd Whittemore, who preceded her in death in 1980. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, cherished by her family. An avid gardener and artist, she shared her artistic talents teaching ceramics and art in the community. She had a sweet spirit that infected everyone she met. Her life spanned nine decades and touched many hearts. She will be truly missed by her daughter, Melissa, her granddaughters and their families: Kate and Mike Gitonga and daughter Sophie; Emily and Walt Kopp; many nieces, nephews and close friends. Willene was a faithful Christian and member of the Calhoun First United Methodist Church. Survivors include Mrs. Whittemore's daughter Melissa Spencer of Roswell; three sister-in laws Wylene Gillespie, Elizabeth Gillespie, and Belle Whittemore all of Calhoun; one brother- in law Paul Whittemore of Calhoun; two granddaughters Kate Gitonga and her husband Mike of Atlanta and Emily Kopp and her husband Walt of Lakeland, Florida; one great-granddaughter Sophie Gitonga of Atlanta; several nieces, nephews, and additional family members Don Spence and David Warren. Funeral services for Mrs. Whittemore will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2011 from the Calhoun First United Methodist Church with Dr. Brian Clark officiating; Mrs. Whittemore will lie-in-state at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour. The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Pallbearers include Mike Gitonga, David Warren, Bill Spencer, Don Spencer, and Walt Kopp. In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Calhoun First United Methodist Church or the Voluntary Action Center. You may send online condolences to the family at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in thee, for all are thine: Alleluia, alleluia! Thomas Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Willene Whittemore