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Lisa McWhorter Obituary
She was the daughter of the late Martha "Hope" Byrd McWhorter and Thomas A. McWhorter of Oak Ridge, TN. She is survived by two sisters, Lessie Drabek of San Diego, CA and Barbara Whitt of Oak Ridge, TN, and an extended family.
Lisa was born and raised in Oak Ridge, TN. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School, earned a BS in Biology from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY, and an MS in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Ohio State University. After graduation, Lisa joined the Peace Corps, where, for 2 years, she taught nursing students in Zaire, in their official language, French.
In 1984, Lisa joined the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman. She attended Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, RI and was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the Medical Service Corps with a sub-specialty in biochemistry.
Lisa's naval career included, but was not limited to, 2 tours at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, Commanding Officer at the Navy Drug Screening Laboratories in Jacksonville, FL and San Diego, CA and 2 tours as the Navy and Marine Corps Drug Testing Program Manager in Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA.
Lisa retired as a Navy Commander in 2012 after 28 years of service. In retirement, she continued to work as a civilian inspector for the National Laboratory Certification Program and remained active in The Society of Forensic Toxicologists. Lisa loved to travel and in 2015, she became a tour guide for Women Traveling Together (WTT), conducting tours in the US, Europe, and Central America. She was a supporter of all people and cared about preserving the planet for future generations. She was the "voice of reason" in her family and was highly respected for her diplomacy. In each of her endeavors, Lisa made life-long friends who share a deep love and respect for her. She will be missed by them all.
A memorial service will be scheduled in Oak Ridge, TN at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. www.sturtevantfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa McWhorter
Sponsored by the family.
Don Frederick
October 21, 2024
Missing you at this year SOFT
Christine Pavan
October 30, 2021
Our dear Suitcase Sister, Lisa, brought joy and adventure to so many of her lady travelers. She was one of the Suitcase Sisters - our group of tour leaders - and brought us much joy with her fun spirit and positive attitude. The day before Lisa passed, we were fortunate to all "get-together" and spend time with Lisa reminiscing on all our adventures.
She will always inspire me to live fully. Thank you for providing this space to express our love for Lisa.
Amelia Steinmetz
October 30, 2021
Lisa was our next door neighbor when we lived in North Suffolk and she became a dear friend. She was so positive and had a zest for enjoying life. She cared deeply for the environment and traveling to distant places. I was so sorry to learn of her passing. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
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Alan Philippi
October 29, 2021
I worked with Lisa during her active duty Navy time. She was always gracious, professional, and enjoyable to work with. A bright scientist with a big heart for the protecting the environment and educating others. My condolences to her family and close friends.
Ike Hemphill
October 28, 2021
It is with a heavy heart that I learn of the passing from this World of Lisa. I felt honored to call her my friend. I always looked forward to being able to spend time with her. Or, to just be in her presence. She Always had a warm and uplifting smile to give to you. She will be missed.
Eric Welsh
October 28, 2021
Always a kind ear, even temper, and easy laugh! She enjoyed every moment and will be missed! She was a friend to all!
Diana Canals Pope
October 27, 2021
I am honored to be called your friend. You were a sweet, joyful and gentle soul. You will be missed so much.. Rest in peace and you will never be forgotten.
Felicia Trager
October 27, 2021
Love you always, "auntie" Lisa! So lucky to have you share your life with us. You will be missed beyond measure! Thank you for being you.
Matt Jamerson
October 27, 2021
A kind and generous leader, scientist and person - you will be missed - rest in peace, CDR (ret) McWhorter.
Don Frederick
October 27, 2021
You will be missed by many colleagues and the many ladies who you shared the world
Jim Snead
October 27, 2021
Friends and relatives have lost a truly wonderful human being. We will all miss you, Lisa. Rest In Peace.
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