Esther Whitmore

Esther Rhodes Whitmore, 85, departed from her home at The Cottages at Brushy Creek on Tuesday, October 13, 2008, and went to be with the Lord and was reunited with her husband, Rev. Connie L. Whitmore; son, of Ozell Thomas; and grandson, Abram Lanham.

Born in Spartanburg County, she was the daughter of the late Jimmy and Eva Rhodes. She was a dedicated mother to her family, which she had a special place in her home which served as a foster home for many.

She was a charter member of Praise Cathedral Church of God and a retired employee of J.P. Stevens.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara W. Howard and her husband, Ken Howard, of Greer; a son, Troy Whitmore and his wife, Adele Whitmore, of Williamston; a son, Richard L. McDonald and his wife, Christine McDonald, of Greer; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday at Praise Cathedral conducted by Rev. Jerry Madden, Rev. Bill Waters, and Rev. Danny Whitmore. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Rocky Howard, Ted Harrison Jr., Benji Rhodes, Josh White, Richard McDonald, and Harold Rogers.

Visitation will be held 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Praise Cathedral.

The families are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Praise Cathedral Building Fund, 3390 Brushy Creek Road, Greer, SC 29650.

Mother, God saw you were tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you and whispered "Come to me." With tearful eyes we saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us...HE ONLY TAKES HIS BEST.

Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.