Janice Worthington

Janice W. Worthington KINSTON - Janice Whitley Worthington, 84, of 815 Westminster Lane, passed away after an extended illness Sept. 1, 2008, in Britthaven Nursing Home in Snow Hill. She was born Aug. 11, 1924, in Smithfield, Va., to the late Stephen Armistead Whitley and Elizabeth Hyden Bain Whitley. After attending Longwood College in Farmville, Va., she worked with Smithfield Packing Co. in Smithfield, Va., and then with the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond. In 1946, she married her husband of 52 years, L.D. "Buddy" Worthington Jr., and made Kinston her home. She immediately became a member of Queen Street United Methodist Church particularly enjoying the wonderful fellowship of Mrs. Speed's Sunday school class. She was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and spent much of her time caring for and loving her precious family and dear friends who were so important to her all throughout her life. She will be so fondly remembered for her big smile, her contagious laughter, and her love for living. She was predeceased by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her beloved son, Leslie "Les" Dodson Worthington III and his wife Betty Blaine of Kinston; two precious grandchildren, Whitley Perry Worthington and Leslie "Dodson" Worthington IV; and two very devoted sisters, Violet W. Knick and Eleanor W. Owen, both of Smithfield, Va. Towards the end of her life, she was particularly blessed with two faithful caregivers, Kathy Wright and Delmar Gonzales. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Maplewood Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at Queen Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. William Allen Bingham officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Queen Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 508, Kinston, NC 28502-0508. Arrangements are with Edwards Funeral Home.