Sallie Walston Whitley

Sallie Ruth Whitley, 92, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022. She was born December 21, 1929 in Stantonsburg to the late James Hardy Walston and Betsy Ellis Walston. She was married for 45 years to the late Edwin McCray “Buddy” Whitley.

She was a widow, sister, mother to two, grandmother to four, and her greatest accomplishment: great-grandmother to eight. She was best known as “Nannie”.

Mrs. Whitley valued a strong work ethic. She spent many of her early years farming and working around the home, ensuring everyone in her family and circle of friends was taken care of. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking (especially frying French fries), and candy making. She was an avid watcher of Westerns, loved eating Bojangles’ and filling her buggy at the Dollar Tree and the Pig. She was influential in her great-grandchildren’s lives and cherished every moment and celebration.

Mrs. Whitley is survived by her son, James Edwin Whitley (Cindy), and daughter, Carol Whitley Wisby (Jim); grandchildren, Crystal Whitley Lester (Rob), Megan Wisby Winter (Steve), Sarah Wisby Kocher (Josh), and Amanda Whitley Hinnant (D’Arcy); great-grandchildren, Christopher, Christian, Madison, Parker, Norah, Brayden, Micah, and Makayla. Brothers William Ray “Billy” Walston (Fannie Leigh) and Robert Gray “Bobby” Walston (Dee), and sister-in-law Rochelle Walston. She is predeceased in death by her sister, Adell Walston Windham, and her brother, James Earl “Sambo” Walston.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the outstanding care received at Wilson Medical Center (4th floor nursing staff) and Wilson Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https:/www.stjude.org).

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 6PM to 8PM at Thomas-Yelverton Funeral Service & Evergreen Memorial Garden in Wilson. A graveside service for family will be held at Stantonsburg Cemetery on Thursday December 1, 2022 with Rev. Wayne Whitley officiating.