Selma Whitley

Selma Worrell Whitley, 95, of Wilson, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 AM Thursday at Evansdale United Methodist Church followed by visitation.

She was born on October 6, 1930, and lived a life of faith, love, and selfless service to others.

Selma was a lifetime member of Evansdale Methodist Church, where her faith was the foundation of her life. She played the piano, sang in the choir and served on numerous committees.

Selma retired from Wrangler after 24 years of faithful service as a seamstress. She then dedicated many years of caring for and nurturing children are Building Blocks Daycare, where she was lovingly known as "Mema" to so many. She worked there for 18 years and touched countless young lives with her kindness and gentle spirit that carried on to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until her death.

She was an exceptional cook who loved to feed others and create a warm, welcoming home. Selma had a generous heart and a gift for making everyone feel special. She loved her family deeply and gave of herself selflessly to everyone she met.

She was married to the love of her life, Ernest Whitley, for 75 beautiful years.

Selma is survived by her beloved husband of 75 years, Ernest Whitley, her children, Tony Whitley (Gwen) and Sandra Whitley; her grandchildren, Taylor Terhune (Dustin), Jordan Whitley (Kim), and Shannon Kea (Allen); and her great-grandchildren, Bennett Terhune, Dallas Whitley, and LizaAnne Kea.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carl Otis Worrell and Josephine Strickland Worrell; sister, Eleanor Gray; brother, J.B. Worrell; special cousins, Frank, Jim, Harvey, and Hubert Worrell.

She will be remembered for her faith, her love, and the countless lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Evansdale United Methodist Church, 4334 Evansdale Rd, Wilson, NC 27893 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.

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