SAVANNAH, Ga.—Former Western Tidewater area resident Joy Howard Whitley passed away January 30, 2012, at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital in Savannah, Ga.

She was 81 years old.

Joy was born in Sanford, N.C., and grew up in West End, N.C. (Moore County).

Joy was a wonderful wife and mother who was greatly loved by her family and friends.

Joy was predeceased by her parents, Connie and Lily Gordon Howard.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 58 years, B.M. Whitley (Birdie); two sons, B.M. Whitley Jr. (Lee Ann) and Benjamin Whitley (Janet); five grandchildren, Ammie Whitley Akin (Will), B.M. Whitley, III, Virginia Howard Whitley, Jessie Bushkar (Jessica) and Nick Bushkar; and two great-grandchildren, William (Jack) Akin and Juliette Bushkar.

Joy will be cremated and a memorial service will be conducted at West End Presbyterian Church on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. in West End, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to West End Presbyterian Church at 275 Knox Lane, P.O. Box 13, West End, N.C., 27376.

Please sign our guest book on line at www.foxandweeks.com