Sarah Whitley

Sarah Pridgen Whitley, 103, of Wilson, completed her journey on earth as a faithful servant of her Lord on September 20, 2025.

Her funeral will be conducted Thursday, 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church, 311 Nash St N, Wilson. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall one hour before service.

Sarah joined First Baptist church of Wilson, along with her parents, in 1938. She enjoyed serving her Lord in many leadership positions including deacon, WMU President, children’s teacher for over 50 years and on various committees.

She loved her family and especially their gathering for Sunday lunch which she prepared weekly until almost 97 years of age. These meals did not interfere with her ability to engage in Sunday morning Bible Study and worship beforehand. Many times, the “leftovers” were then taken to friends who were ill or experiencing difficulties. When her ability to visit “shut ins” became too challenging, she enjoyed writing a special message on a birthday, get well or thinking of you card. You probably received one of these cards.

Things that you may not know about her include the fact that she graduated from High School at the age of 15. She was an only child until she was 22 years old when her “precious baby brother” was born. She loved him dearly. She and her husband became the proud parents of a son just three years later. The two of them spent many hours together while Sarah and her mother went shopping or worked on the farm or in the garden.

She was primarily a stay-at-home mom until J.C. Penney opened a new store at Parkwood Mall and she was hired as Credit Department manager. She worked in several management positions until her retirement 20 years later. After spending several years providing increasing care for her aging parents, she returned to work part time at a specialty clothing store The Image. She enjoyed fashion and people, treating everyone with love and kindness.

She will be remembered as a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She genuinely loved people and always wanted everyone to “Love One Another”.

Sincere appreciation and gratitude are extended to Gentiva Hospice Angela Stoddard RN, Rhonda Karwick HHA, Amy Stokes HHA; David and Wendy Bray of Fringe Salon, and caregivers Bernice, Judy, Sandra, and Tammy.

Surviving are daughters, Marla Whitley and Mona Fulghum of Wilson; son, Charles W. “Chuck” Whitley, Jr. (Judie) of Wilson; grandchildren, Mark Whitley, Robin Whitley, Adam Harris, Heather Cumbo, and Rob Fulghum; and twelve great grandchildren; brother, Marion L. Pridgen Jr. of Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles W. “Shine” Whitley; great grandson; Grant Harris and her parents, Marion L. Pridgen and Emma Wheeler Pridgen.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1467, Wilson, NC 27894 or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com