Joyce Harper Whisenant

September 21, 1928 ~ October 22, 2014

Chapel Hill

Joyce Harper Whisenant, 86, died Wednesday, October 22, 2014 surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Percy Harper and Moselle Price Harper.

Joyce grew up in Poteau, OK where she met her future husband, William E. (Whiz) Whisenant. She graduated with a degree in Journalism from Oklahoma A&M University and was a member of Chi Omega.

She and Whiz moved from Tulsa to Memphis and then to Charlotte where they lived for 47 years. Joyce served as an elder and in many other capacities at Trinity Presbyterian Church. She served as President of the East Mecklenburg High School PTA. She was a member of PEO and the Colonia Book Club.

Joyce was a woman of many accomplishments, but most of all she loved her family, her friends, her church, her garden and family vacations at Sunset Beach.

She is survived by her husband, William E. Whisenant, son William D. Whisenant and wife Kelly L. Ross of Chapel Hill, NC, four grandchildren Melissa Cathleen Towne of Chapel Hill, NC, Patrick William Towne of Carrboro, NC, Alison Ross Whisenant of Raleigh, NC and William Ross Whisenant of Wilmington, NC, sister Carol Sue Harper Cutsinger and husband R.K. Cutsinger of Franklin, TN. She was predeceased by her daughter Gail Whisenant Towne and her sister Billie Gayle Harper Donathan.

The family wishes to thank the staffs of Clare Bridge of Chapel Hill and UNC Hospice for their exemplary care.

A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27 at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Hospice, 480 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or the charity of your choice.

Published in The News & Observer on Oct. 26, 2014.