Obituary of Mary Frances Whilden

Mary Frances Whilden, 89, of Charlotte, N.C., went to heaven peacefully in her home on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 one week prior to her 90th birthday.  The family was able to give her a surprise “90th” birthday party last Sunday.

Mary was born on July 30, 1931 in Charlotte, N.C.  On July 1, 1951, she married Don and they were married 68 years before his passing two years ago.  After they were married, Don served in the Korean War. They lived for a time in Chicago, Illinois where they had their first child, Ronald Glenn. After the war, they returned to Charlotte where both of their families were still living.

A year later, their daughter Sharon Diane was born.  Mary worked full time for many years at Newton and Newton Window Decorating, their family business as their bookkeeper and creative designer of window shades.  The business is still in operation today run by Ron and his son Jeremy.

From 1949 to 1979, Mary attended Garr Memorial Church.  After that, they became some of the charter members of Harvest Church.  Mary enjoyed working with the youth, especially getting them involved in a puppet ministry she began with the purpose share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mary is survived by her son Ron Whilden, his wife Vicki; daughter Sharon Lawing and her husband Kevin; grandson Chad Whilden; grandson Jeremy Whilden and his wife Debbra; grandson Justin Lawing; grandson Jason Lawing and his wife Desiree; grandson Bryan Lawing and his wife Leigh; and two great grandchildren Aida Cove Whilden and Jacob Henry Lawing.

The family will receive friends Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Harvest Church, 7429 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC  28214 followed by a funeral service.  Interment will be private at a later date.

Please share online condolences @ www.hankinsandwhittington.com