Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street

Raleigh, North Carolina

Frances Whitley Obituary

Frances Harmon Whitley

October 4, 1925 - July 29, 2015

Raleigh

Frances Harmon Whitley, 89, of Raleigh died Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Born Laura Frances Harmon in Statesville, NC, she was the daughter of the late Maude Howard and Everette L. Harmon. She graduated from Harmony High School, Pfeiffer Junior College and Furman University.

After moving to Raleigh, she was employed by the Dept. of Archives and History as an archivist; by the History Preservation Society of N.C. as Executive Secretary; and by the N.C. Museum of History Gift Shop as a manager.

She was a long time member of Highland United Methodist Church where she started the church Bereavement Committee and Chrismon program, and where she served as the First MYF counselor, Sunday school teacher, member of the Administrative Board, member of United Methodist Women, and as Church Historian. She was also an avid flower arranger, and active in the Pinewood Garden Club for 65 years – whose motto was, "Do nothing and do it well".

She is survived by her two sons and their wives, Cullen Everette and wife Diane Corbin, Robert Thomas and wife Brenda, and daughter-in-law, Kim Whitley; three grandchildren Ryan Thomas Whitley, Laura McCall Whitley and Andrew Harmon Whitley, Jr. She is also survived by a sister, Aileen Harmon Daniels, and a brother Dwight E. Harmon, both of Statesville, NC.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Cullen Whitley, her son Andrew Harmon Whitley, and her two brothers Forrest Harmon and Marshall Harmon.

A celebration of Frances' life will be held at Highland United Methodist Church at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 9, 2015. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary's St.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Aug. 1 to Aug. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Whitley

Not sure what to say?





August 12, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family. May Almighty God (Psalms 83:18) give you the strength needed during this difficult time of your life. He will really help you.

Rob, Jess, Eli and Jean Anastes

August 9, 2015

Hugs and prayers to Frances' family - with love

Phil Williams

August 4, 2015

Cullen and Robbie - I was saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. I have fond memories of us all growing up together and the times we spent at each other's houses from kindergarten days through Broughton HS. I know my Mom truly loved your Mom and that she will be missed.

Donna Kelly

August 3, 2015

I first knew Frances when she managed the Museum of History gift shop in the old building back in the 1980s when I first came to work for the State Archives. A few years later I joined Highland UMC and in 2003 we worked together on the 50th anniversary of the church. She was such a dear lady, and the epitome of the Southern belle.

Gerry Edwards

August 1, 2015

Frances meant so much to me when we served at Highland. She was a real friend. She contributed so much to the church by her Christian character and commitment. I will always remember her with love. My sincere sympathy to the family.
Gerry Edwards (Mrs J. Paul Edwards)

Wynn Cherry

July 31, 2015

Frances was one of my favorite people and I loved her dearly. Many of my childhood memories are linked to the Whitley clan. May joy and light be with you all. Thanks to God for such a remarkable woman.

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Make a Donation
in Frances Whitley's name

Memorial Events
for Frances Whitley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh, NC 27605

How to support Frances's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Frances Whitley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more