Ida Mae Whittle

IDA MAE WHITTLE transitioned from this earthly place to the arms of her heavenly Father on Sunday morning, February 6, 2022, at the Beacon Place Hospice Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. She passed away at the age of eighty-three after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Pearlie Whittle, Sr. and Bertha Mae McCoy Whittle on Thursday, August 25, 1938, in Halifax County, North Carolina.

Ida Mae was baptized at an early age and became a member of the Simmons Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She was educated in the Halifax County Public School System and graduated from John Armstrong Chaloner High School in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, with the class of 1957, with aspirations of attending cosmetology school. Ida Mae later relocated to Washington, DC, and became employed by the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier. She was a stickler for efficiency and neatness, and carried herself in a dignified, professional manner. She retired from the United States Postal Service in December 1999, to return home to reside with her mother, who could no longer live alone. Ida became a dedicated caregiver and was by her momma’s side until God called her home on June 25, 2017.

After returning to Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, she worked diligently and faithfully at her church until her health declined. Ida loved Simmons Grove and regularly attended Sunday school, Bible study, and Sunday services. She never hesitated sharing the goodness of the Lord with the young and the old.  Being the private individual that she was, Ida chose not to share her medical diagnosis with others. She was a trooper with few complaints and fought a good fight. Her doctor called her a “Strong Lady”.

In addition to her parents, Ida was preceded in death by her brothers, William Thomas, Waverly Connelly, and Henry Lee Whittle.

Loved ones remaining to share the precious memories of her life are: Paul Morris Whittle, Larry Donnell Whittle (Saundra) all of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Pearlie “Bo” Whittle (Joyce) of Queens, NY, Darryl Whittle (Eyvette) of Garysburg, NC, Carolyn Mayo of Greensboro, NC, (Kathy Whittle-Davis (Rev. Dr. Kenneth) of Martinsville, VA; nephews: Brandon Whittle, Christopher Mayo, Darryl Whittle, II, Derrick T. Whittle, Kendall D. Davis (godson), Decateur Davis, and Antwon Davis; nieces: Debra Willoughby, Valerie Johnson, Vanessa Dyson, Beth Palmas, Rhonda Fidelia, Kimberly Whittle, and Tonja Squire. She was blessed with numerous grand-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins. Two little grand-nieces, Danita Whittle and KayMarie Davis, were near and dear to her heart  Ida was known affectionately by many names: Ida Mae, Ida, Aunt Ida, Auntie I, and Idee.

She loved spending time in the kitchen cooking, and her cabbage and ham hocks, baked ham, and Sunday roast with sweet tea will be greatly missed. Memories of her life and love will remain as treasures in the hearts of all whose lives she touched in so many special ways.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Simmons Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Huckleberry Bottom Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC. Rev. Nehemiah Smith, Jr. will deliver the eulogy, and burial will follow in the Crestview Memorial cemetery, 489 Smith Church Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC. Because of Covid-19, the CDC guidelines will be followed by the wearing of masks and social distancing. A viewing will be held from 2:00-4:00 P.M. on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Robinson Funeral Home, 215 US Highway 158, Littleton, NC.

Announcement courtesy of Serenity Funeral Home & Cremations who assisted with local arrangements.

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