Sally Gaynell Whitton

Funeral services for Sally Gaynell Whitton, 96, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Jimmy Hodges and Pastor Scott Reed officiating; Eulogy by Patsy Slusher. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mrs. Whitton was born February 24, 1920 in Nacogdoches County, Texas to the late Willie Robert and Ola Mae Hughes and died Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in Lufkin, Texas.

Mrs. Whitton grew up in a hardworking family during the great depression era with six brothers and sisters. When the war broke out, she worked in a factory in Ft. Worth helping to build B-24 bombers. While she was not active duty in the war, she made her own personal sacrifice as she lost two fingers on her left hand in an accident in the plant. She moved back to Nacogdoches where she worked for Mize Department Store as a seamstress. Her love and skill of sewing was formed while at Mize; a talent that was shared with others for over 75 years. Gay lived a very full and rich life for 96 years! She was a loving and devoted wife of Oscar Arthur (Doc) Whitton for 37 years, until his death in 1984. She was a proud and caring mother for her daughter, Judy (who she lost in 1994), and sons, Ken, Steve and Bobbie (who she lost shortly after his birth in 1957). She was an equally proud and wonderful grandmother, or as she wanted to be called, “Nannie”, to Aaron Knight and Tessa Headrick, Kelli Whitton and Lori Galloway, Matthew and Jonathan Whitton as well as great-grandmother to Austin, Kelsey, Journey, Dylan, James and Jordan. Whether it was sewing, making drapes or the years she spent serving the public at Gibson’s Discount Center, Eckerd’s Drug, Sew Fro Fabrics and finally Baskin’s Department Store, she loved helping people and staying busy. It seemed like she knew everyone and they knew her. She worked well into her 80’s. She continued to sew for individuals in town and kept busy with a hem or an alteration. She was a very religious person. She loved God, loved Calvary Baptist Church and loved her Sunday School Class. She always reminded her family that God loves them and that they should do the same in return. The children were raised in the church, attending every Sunday with both their mother and daddy. They worked hard to create a home that was built on the teaching of the church and their love.

Gay loved to cook; cornbread, chicken and dumplings, cookies and candy. There was never a visit where they did not leave without a tin of cookies or a full stomach from a great meal. Looking back, they knew her love of sharing food was just another extension of the love she had for all. She was proud of all her children and grandchildren. For years, she would always remember birthdays and sent a card with a few dollars. She would always say how proud she was of them and how much she loved them; each in their own way. They all have so many fond memories of their times with her at the Pecan Valley Apartments, where she lived for more than 20 years. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grew up knowing that small two-bedroom apartment very well. It was always a fun trip to Nannie’s. She was independent. Some might add that there was a bit of stubborn mixed in with the independent streak. She was very organized and particular about her apartment, her sewing and basically life in general. She was free with her opinions and never hesitated to let others know what was on her mind. At the same time, she was equally ready to let others know how much she appreciated them. She was known for sending cards to her friends and church family when they were sick or needed support.

On behalf of our mother, the family wants to thank all the medical staff, the doctors, the nurses, the caregivers at Castle Pines, the Meadows, Hospice in the Pines and St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital for their loving care and support for our mother over many years. Thanks also go to her friends and Sunday school class members who came to visit her frequently and provided comfort and assurance that she was loved.

To Dr. Richard Roby M.D., no words cannot express how much we appreciate the care you and your associates gave to our mother and the advice, counsel and support you shared with our family. Your thoughtful and genuine desire to provide comfort and care to mother through numerous challenges over the past few years is deeply appreciated. We could not have asked for more thorough, professional and supportive medical care.

Each of us have our own stories, memories and never ending love for Nannie. She has shaped all of our lives in so many positive ways. We will never forget her unconditional love of us and her love of God. We know she is now free of pain and with the Lord, and with her family that has gone before her.

“A whole human life is just a heartbeat here in Heaven. Then we’ll all be together forever”.

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Linda Whitton of Lufkin and Steve and Janna Whitton of Allen; six grandchildren, Kelli Whitton of Hull, Massachusetts, Lori and Casey Galloway of Allen, Matthew Whitton of El Paso, Jonathan Whitton of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Tessa and Joseph Headrick of Lufkin and Aaron and Amber Knight of Houston; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Author Whitton; daughter, Judy Ann Knight; infant son, Bobbie Lewis.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Whitton, Jonathan Whitton, Aaron Knight, Joseph Headrick and Casey Galloway.

Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Hughes and Harold K. Hughes.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 516 Montrose St, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.