Louise P. Whitley

Louise P. Whitley, 94 Lakeland, Louise P. Whitley passed away peacefully in her sleep at Highlands Lake Center on December 5, 2014. She was born at home on July 25, 1920, in Aquadale, NC, to John M. and Nealie D. Poplin. Louise graduated Aquadale High School, attended business school, and was hired as a secretary at a local hospital near her home where she met her husband Gerald F. Whitley, who was a member of the U.S. Navy. They married in Florida within a month and were inseparable. Louise worked for the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commissioquatic Weed Division and retired after 23 years of dedicated service. Devoted to her family, she is survived by her husband of 69 years Gerald F. Whitley, son Rondal J. Whitley, and daughter Dorinda Dooley and her husband Kevin. Louise was also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to Taylor Roman and his son Kaden; Erin Simpson and her husband David, and their daughters Alexandra and Madison, and son Elijah. The youngest of nine children with six brothers and two sisters, Louise was the last surviving member of her family, preceded in death by her parents and siblings Willie Bryant Poplin, Julius Arthur, Lillie Mae, Homer Deese, John Wesley, Mary Neal, Charlie Benton, and Atlas Durgan. An active member of her community, Louise was well known and liked in the boating and skiing community in the 1960s, and in Buttons and Bows Square Dancing in the ""80s and ""90s. She traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and truly enjoyed life. Louise was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was compassionate and hospitable and always offered to provide assistance to those around her, as well as tell stories of her experiences. Her presence will be greatly missed. A service to celebrate her life will be held Dec. 15th at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, Lakeland, with Rev. David McEntire officiating. Reception immediately following the service at the church and placement in Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to First United Methodist Church Lakeland, Tampa Shriners Children""s Hospital, and Good Shepherd Hospice of Auburndale. Service: 12/15/2014 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801