Nancy L Whitaker

Nancy Louise Tyler Whitaker passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Pheasant Ridge Nursing Facility, Roanoke, Virginia, after a long illness. Nancy was born on October 4, 1931 in Blue Ridge, Virginia to Herman and Irene (Jones) Tyler and was the middle child of eleven with five brothers and five sisters. She was predeceased by her brothers and their wives: Archie and Opal Tyler, Arthur and June Tyler, William and Blanch Tyler, Lynn and Barbara Tyler, and Price Tyler; and sisters, Katherine Dillman, Annette Bartlett, and Martha Adams. She was predeceased by her former husband, Ray Whitaker, the father of her children. Surviving are sisters Jane Leonard and Helen Burnette and husband, J.T., and her brother-in-law, Morgan Bartlett.

Nancy was a wonderful mother to her four children and their families. Left to cherish her memory are Dianne Smith and husband Ted, Judy Atkins (former husband, the late Jack Atkins), Timothy Whitaker and wife, Karen, and Twyla Bowles and husband, Robert; three grandchildren, Samuel Whitaker and wife Megan, Patrick Atkins and wife Leanne, and Coty Whitaker; and two great-grandsons, Jaxon and Rhett Whitaker. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Nancy retired from the Kroger Company after thirty years’ service and spent her retirement years helping her family, especially in times of medical crises. She adored her grandchildren and shared their activities and interests. She was a member of Goodview Baptist Church and was a steadfast believer in God and read her well-marked Bible many times over.

Nancy had her children at a young age and remained young-at-heart throughout her life. She was shy and reticent but had an engaging personality once she got to know you. She loved to laugh and was known for her witty puns and wry observations, a trait she inherited from her dad. She was meticulous in her appearance and elegant in her demeanor. She loved crocheting, puzzles, crosswords, coloring and reading. Nancy enjoyed the beach and foraging for shark’s teeth. She was a talented cook. Her legendary dishes were fried oysters at holidays, pumpkin pies, mac and cheese and German chocolate cake. All one had to do was express appreciation for a dish to receive her generosity.

Nancy’s family wishes to thank all the kind nurses and attendants at Pheasant Ridge Nursing Facility for their compassionate care.

Nancy’s life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Lotz Funeral Home, 305 East Washington Ave. in Vinton. Pastor Joey Phillips will officiate. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. The family requests attendees practice safety from the virus. Those wishing to honor her memory may donate to Goodview Baptist Church, Alzheimer’s research, or their favorite charity.

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