Mary L. Dowling

GAFFNEY – Mary Lanford Whisonant Dowling, born in 1913 in Woodruff, died Friday, Aug. 27, 2004, in Radford, Va., where she had lived for the past 15 years.

Mrs. Dowling and her husband owned and operated Whisonant's Ladies Specialty Shop, a women's clothing store in downtown Gaffney from 1942 to 1976. She graduated magna cum laude from Limestone College in 1934 and won the general excellence award for being the most outstanding member of her class. She was elected state president of the S.C. PTA in 1956 and was chosen Clemson College Mother of the Year in 1958. The Business and Professional Womans Club of Gaffney, the Community Chest, the American Association of University Women and Cherokee County Gladiolus Society were among the many organizations which received the benefit of her organizational and leadership skills.

Mrs. Dowling sang in the choir and she taught Sunday School and Bible Studies at Limestone Presbyterian Church where she was a long-time member. She was a wonderful cook, an avid gardener, and her faith and her family were the centers of her life.

Mrs. Dowling was predeceased by her husbands, Clyde Webb Whisonant, who died in 1943, and J. C. Dowling Jr., who died in 1975; and one son, Joseph Smith Whisonant, of Greenville.

She is survived by one son, Robert Clyde Whisonant and his wife Brenda Dell Lark Whisonant, of Radford, Va.; and another daughter-in-law, Sylvia Haile Whisonant Yellen, of Greenville. She is also survived by five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her friend of many years, Sara Davidson.

Friends and family gathered at 3 p.m. Sunday to go to Oakland Cemetery, where a short graveside services was held. A celebration of her life was held at a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Limestone Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Dowling's memory may be made to Limestone Presbyterian Church, Gaffney.

Arrangements by DeVilbliss Funeral Home, Radford, Va.