Lela Whitener

MARQUAND, Mo. -- Lela Faye Easley Whitener, 80, of Marquand passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

She was born July 9, 1930, in Talent, Mo., to George and Florence Moore Easley. She was married to the love of her life, William "Bill Sam" Whitener, on Jan. 22, 1949. He preceded her in death Aug. 6, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Virginia Long.

Faye worked for Angelica Corp. 36 years until retiring. She was a lifelong member of Liberty Congregational Methodist Church, where she served as church treasurer, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader and choir member. She loved her God, her church and her family.

She is survived by her only child, Sandy (Bruce) Hampton of North Pole, Alaska; grandchildren, Emily Smallwood who recently moved to Missouri to care for her grandmother; William Yount of New Orleans, La., Elisabeth (Tom) Hayer of Fairbanks, Alaska, Stephanie Hampton of Baton Rouge, La.; and three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Abigail and William; a sister, Peggy (James) Shrum; two sisters-in-law, Wilma Whitener and Doris (John) O'Bannon; several nieces and nephews and lots of friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Liley Funeral Home in Patton, Mo.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Liberty Congregational Church, with the Rev. Jamie Hovis officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Church Cemetery.