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Whitney Ferrell Obituary
She is survived by her parents, Ronald L. and Bonnie T. Ferrell; her brother, Justin T. Ferrell; maternal grandmother, Louise M. Taylor, of Emporia; paternal grandparents, Henry K. and Dorothy G. Ferrell; paternal great-grandmother, Viola Dabbs, all of Danville; and four uncles, Michael W. Taylor, his wife, Lou and daughter, Ashley; Jerry O. Taylor; Randy K. Ferrell and his wife, Carole, daughter, Kelly and son, Christopher; and W. Dale Ferrell, his wife, Janet, sons Kevin and Brandon, and daughter, Kaitlyn.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Benjamin F. Taylor.
Whitney was a freshman at Deep Run High School, where she was an honors student, a member of Voce Unificato Chorus, Key Club, and Latin Club. She was an active member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Short Pump. For the past three years, she was the spokesperson for Anthem's Lemonaid, sponsored by Children's Miracle Network, where she helped raise thousands of dollars to help other kids with life-threatening illness. Whitney appeared on many telethons and radiothons to support the Children's Pavilion at M.C.V. with the goal of improving the facility for children.
She loved to play basketball and swim. Whitney had been competitively swimming since age five. Her passions in life were her family, friends, and her dog, "Jake." Whitney's love of life was displayed by her radiant smile, which touched the lives of all who knew her.
The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12 at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 13 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4825 Pouncey Tract Rd., with interment in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wishes for Whitney at BB&T, 11400 Nuckols Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059, to be distributed among her favorite charities.
Memories and Condolences
for Whitney Ferrell
Kit Schiavo
June 6, 2019
My fondest memories of Whitney are lunch and a movie with Lauren and of course shopping from time to time. Whitney will always have a place in my heart.
Sarah Lancaster
July 8, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell and Justin,
I am so sorry to hear about Whitney. I am glad that I had the opportunity to have known such a wonderful,sweet and caring person. I will miss her. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Martin
June 24, 2007
Bonnie, Ron and Justin..I am truly sorry to hear of Whitney's passing.
I never met her, but she sounds like she must have been an amazing young lady. Please know that all of you are certainly in our prayers. Michelle and Frank Martin
Kristin Holbrook
June 20, 2007
Bonnie, Ron, and Justin,
I have been keeping up with Whitney for the last few months, and was heartbroken in reading of her death. It continues to break my heart that I could not be in Richmond to celebrate her life with many of the millions whose lives she has touched. My thoughts and prayers, and those of my church, continue to be with you unceasingly.
With hope and grief,
Kristin
How you can show support
Cheryl Meeler
June 19, 2007
I am truly sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. I am a friend of Grandmother Dot in Danville. Dot and I used to hike and line dance together. I know how much Dot loves her grandchildren.
Meredith Sullivan
June 18, 2007
What a celebration of life! For Whitney to have accomplished so much in her time on earth is such a testament to the person that she is. God obviously touched her while she was here, to bring a community together. He is definitely wrapping her in his loving arms in heaven.
Susan Nevers
June 17, 2007
Dear Ron, Bonnie & Justin,
Our heartfelt prayers are with during this difficult time.
Susan, Greg, Lindsey & Hannah Nevers
Tana Mason
June 16, 2007
To the Ferrell Family
My prayers are with you. God Bless you all. Whitney was a lovely young lady and she touched so much of us with her strength. It was a pleasure knowing you, mom & dad.
Tana- PICU
Cathryn Wooton
June 15, 2007
Because I could not stay through the reception on Wednesday, Jansen and I went back on Thursday and said a prayer over Whitney. I was so touched and impressed by the memories her friends and Justin shared, because I did not have a chance to really know Whitney like they did. The imagery of her swimming off to Heaven on the fin of a dolphin was beautiful. I am quite sure I will think of her every time I see a dolphin of any sort:) I pray for the time when the sharp edges of your pain begin to blur softly with the lovely memories you have of Whitney. What a gal...
Jacinta ingram
June 15, 2007
Dear Bonnie,Ron,& Jeremy,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I am so proud to have met, cared, and loved a person as beautiful as Whitney. I will truely miss my girl, my protector from the "big dogs", and my "Stick It" partner. Thanks so much for being a beautiful part of mylife.
Love
Jacinta
Jerry Rex
June 14, 2007
Bonnie, Ron & Justin:
What can we say? Such a wonderful memorial service to celebrate the awesome life of Whitney! Each and every aspect of the service reminded us of what a precious gift she was and is and how thankful we are that we got to know and love her.
Thank you for the absolute honor of being able to be a pall bearer. What a very moving experience and one that I won't forget. It also gave me the chance to meet the wonderful Dr. Bagwell. What a special human being he is!
Charlotte, the young ladies and Justin did such a great job sharing their memories and remained composed while doing it. WOW! Very impressive.
We love you all so much and continue to pray for God to wrap his arms around you and hold you gently and lovingly, especially during this difficult period of loss and transition.
Let us know what we can do...You know we're here and we'll be there when you need us.
Jerry, Sheri, Spencer and Lindsay
Liz Kellermann
June 14, 2007
Dear Ferrell Family,
My deepest condolences go out to your family at this time. I heard about Whitney's passing through my own daughter's guest book...Jaimee Kellermann. As a mother who has lost a precious child, I know there are no words that can truly comfort you at this time. I pray that you are surrounded by loving members and clergy of your church, by friends and family and from complete strangers who can truly make a difference. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had kept up with Whitney's progress through the Rex Family and am deeply saddened by your loss. If you would like to talk, feel free to contact me.....Sending warm hugs across the miles.....
Patti Williams
June 14, 2007
Bonnie and Family,
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Carmen Lawrence
June 13, 2007
I am so sorry to hear this news and wish to share my deepest sympathies with all of Whitney's friends and family.
Donna Hull
June 13, 2007
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.
Katie Johnston
June 13, 2007
Justin and the Ferrell Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Adriana DiFilippo
June 13, 2007
Dear Ferrell family,
I did not know Whitney personally, but do remember her from second grade. I teach at Shady Grove and have followed her story as she fought her brave battle.
I want to offer you my wish for peace, strength and solice in this sad time. Know that Whitney is with you in spirit and will remain by your side always.
Adri DiFilippo
Misty Burton
June 13, 2007
May the Peace of God be with your family. I am so blessed to have known Whitney, if only briefly. I could see the light in her eyes. I could feel her strength. She was determined to complete her school work no matter how ill she felt. She would have a spell, then keep going. I was in awe and so touched to witness her endurance. She told me her favorite color was pink and we were going to paint each others finger nails. We didn't get a chance to but, I bet she has pink wings! May the Holy Comforter wrap his wings around you and overwhelm you with His peace, strength and love!
Cheryl and Andy Beaujon
June 13, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell and Justin
I did not have the privledge of meeting Whitney myself, but my husband was her nurse in the PACU at MCV after her surgeries. He has spoke of her often, telling of her beautiful spirit, her smiles and those beautiful little pillows.
He will cherish his forever. Whitney was a great inspiration to so many. We shold all take a lesson from her. Our prayers are with the three of you during this time. We rejoice in knowing that Whitney is with our heavenly Father and running the streets of glory. God Bless you all.
Cheryl and Andy Beaujon
garnett hamerman
June 12, 2007
My condolences and prayers to all of you from Garnett Hamerman, a colleague from SunTrust Bank of Whitney's special Uncle Jerry
Odell
June 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God help ease your pain. Heaven has its newest Angel and she is watching over you.
God Bless
The Odells
Mary Hertless
June 12, 2007
Bonnie, Ron & Justin,
I just heard about Whitney..my heart aches for you all. I still remember her sweet smile the first time she came in my Sunday School class. She grew up to be a beautiful young lady with a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Christian love,
Linda Link
June 12, 2007
My family did not know Whitney personally, but we knew her through my son-in-law Glenn Moore. We have kept up with her progress through him and the caringbridge. Our hearts go out to your family. She was such a special person God wanted her with him. They say God does not put on you more than you can handle, but at a time like this it is hard to believe. Whitney has fought so long and now God has taken her with him where she is at peace.
She has touched the lives of so many. Just remember she is walking hand and hand with God now, watching over you all and smiling once again. She will never be forgotten.
May God bless you.
June 12, 2007
ferrell family,
all of us at deep run high school have you in our prayers. she was a beautiful girl and leg a strong fight until the end. be pround of her. dont cry for her, if anything, she would want you to remember the good times and laugh with her...she will never truly be gone because she will be in everyones thoughts.
Richmond Chapters of ESA, International
June 12, 2007
It is with much sadness that we heard about the passing of Whitney. Her courage and outstanding contributions to others and her community will leave a legacy in the hearts of us all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clif Denney
June 12, 2007
Ron, Bonnie and Justin,
My heart aches for you in this difficult time. I just heard the news as i'm now working in Atlanta. Whitney and your family have been in our prayers for so long and we have watched in admiration the way she and you have handled one of life's most difficult situations. Her courage and faith has and will be an inspriration to all of us for years to come. God bless you and her. We love you and continue to pray for you.
Clif and Amy Denney
Sylvia Felts
June 12, 2007
I did not have an opportunity to meet Whitney; but, I "knew" her through Jerry Taylor. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Susan Myers
June 12, 2007
Bonnie and family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Susan Wright Myers and family
Karen Sepe
June 12, 2007
Please know that many prayers are with you right now in St. Louis, Missouri. Bonnie, Ron and Justin-I want you to know that I have never forgotten meeting you long ago and being touched by your beautiful girl. I know that she is in the loving embrace of God our heavenly father and I can rejoice in that. You will be in my thoughts and prayers especially this week.
Wendy Abel
June 12, 2007
Ferrell Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most trying time. Words can not express how sorry I am for your loss. I know how many lives your family have touched, and will continue to touch.
Love to All,
C. Strong
June 12, 2007
My daughter went to middle school with Whitney. I have seen the commercial for Lemonaid for Children's Miracle Network. She was doing such a great job at raising money for them. She is an inspiration to all of us. Beautiful spirit and smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. God Bless you all!
Gregg & Laurie Kalata
June 12, 2007
Dear Ron & Bonnie,
Our hearts ache for you. You have done your best and more than anyone could have. Only know that Alex has welcomed Whitney up to heaven.
Who knows they may even be having a game of basketball together right now. How sweet a thought.
We will pray for when we are all reunited again.
Sincerely,
Gregg & Laurie Kalata
Kathy Moorman-Sykes
June 12, 2007
May God keep you and provide you with comfort during this difficult time and in the years to come. I last spoke with Mrs. Ferrell in the M.C.V. Cafe and you just wanted my prayers, please know that I will continue to pray for your family and thank you for giving us such a beautiful young lady. Whitney will be missed but not forgotten.
Sincerely
Kathy Moorman-Sykes
Kenneth Epps
June 12, 2007
I never got a chance to teach you, but I hear wonderful things about you. Your fight was a valient fight! May the wings of the angels lift you softly to the lord
Amy White
June 12, 2007
Ferrell family - I just sent a note around the office about Whitney and your journey. We have been praying for you at our weekly devotions. Today I sing praises to God for your family, for Whitney and for love- for we sing thru the pain to bring us more happiness.
Love ya
Amy Reynolds White (former Shady Grover now moved to Amelia)
Paige Morgan
June 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Whitney touched the lives of many people. May God comfort each of you and give you His peace.
Johnny, Paige, Heather and Lindsey Morgan
Robyn Morris
June 12, 2007
Ron, Bonnie and Justin,
I know the days are difficult, you are not alone. Whitney is a beautiful Angel brightening all of Heaven. She will always be a part of every person that had the honor of knowing her...she is in our hearts and souls. I will continue to pray for you all as you travel this journey. We love you, Scott and Robyn Morris and Family
Kit Schiavo
June 12, 2007
May your Love for Whitney hold you close and give you peace.
Kristen, Robert & Daniel Robinson
June 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ferrell family. May God Bless you all and bring you comfort at this very difficult time.
In Christian Love,
Alex F.
June 12, 2007
My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Edith Smith
June 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
cary cohen
June 12, 2007
I did not know this young lady when I lived in Richmond. She certainly sounds like someone I would have liked to have known. My concolences to the family. I suppose this is what they mean when they say "a candle in the wind."
Terry Chancellor
June 12, 2007
I've known Whitney since she was two years old and I don't think I ever knew we shared the same middle name, how special. Whitney was a ray of sunshine wherever she went. Her kindness, tenderness, sweet smile and wonderful laughter will always live in my heart but it was her strong faith and love that has changed me the most and I am truly blessed to have had her in my life. I can't imagine an Easter service without her smiling up at us in choir. Bonnie, Ron, and Justin, words can't express the pain in my heart for what you are going through but I hope you know my heart also holds tremendous love for each of you and my arms are always here when you just need the support. Blessings to the entire family, thank you for sharing your beautiful Whitney with us all.
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