Sally Furniss Whitaker

Sally Furniss Whitaker, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, April 2nd, at her home in Virginia Beach, VA. Mrs. Whitaker graduated from Virginia Beach High School in 1958. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Old Dominion University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, in 1972. Mrs. Whitaker later studied the law under her husband, Robert M. Furniss, Jr., with whom she was travelling in 1977 when the two were passengers on a Southern Airways plane that crashed outside of Atlanta. The plane crash took Mr. Furniss' life. Mrs. Whitaker was severely injured with extensive third degree burns, a number of broken bones and suffered through countless other major and minor injuries. She was hospitalized for six months after the plane crash, and had been hospitalized at least once every year since to address health issues directly or indirectly related to the plane crash. Notwithstanding her injuries and considerable rehabilitation, she married Howard Whitaker, Jr. in 1980, a very highly regarded public finance attorney. Their love affair took them to New York City and San Francisco before finally locating in Miami, FL where he practiced law until he passed away in 2004. Mrs. Whitaker returned to Virginia Beach in 2004 to be closer to family and friends. Her health issues plagued her for the last 37 years, and contributed to her death. However, her unfailing optimism, bright spirit and frequent smile captured the hearts of all who came to know her, and those who could not avoid meeting her. Her gregarious nature led to countless introductions, new friends and encouragement. She is survived by her son, Todd Furniss; daughter, Berkeley McHugh; step daughters, Linda Knight, Pam Smith and Diana Scholl; and stepson, Sam Whitaker. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Mrs. Whitaker is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. James Julien Southerland; and her sister and brother-in-law, Michael and Betsy Cordingley. A memorial service for Mrs. Whitaker will be held at the Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel, located at 1264 North Great Neck Road in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, April 5, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grady Health Foundation for the benefit of the Burn Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA.