On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Joan Elrod Whitaker, 76, entered the gates to her Heavenly Home. Joan was born July 8, 1944 in Anderson, SC to William Thomas Elrod and Veta Caroline Eller Elrod, both deceased. Joan grew up in Belmont, NC and moved to Andrews when she married the love of her life, Willis Harold Whitaker, on February 4, 1967.
Joan spent her lifetime praising and honoring her Lord and Savior. She traveled many miles and met many people during her ministry. There wasn't anything that brought her more joy than singing about her God, except her grandchildren. Over the years, she also worked in the sewing industry and Walmart Pharmacy. She enjoyed babysitting, and kept many children over the years too.
Joan leaves behind her devoted husband of 53 years, Willis, as well as daughters, Tammy Whitaker Stewart and husband, Mike, of Andrews; and Becky Whitaker Bridges and husband, Calvin, of Robbinsville.
She had six grandchildren, Kalece Sherrill of Andrews, NC; Colton Stewart and wife, Hannah, of Lyman, SC; Cameron Fitzgerald, of Andrews, NC; Molly Pavelka and fiancé, Duke Price of Andrews, NC; Tathum Stewart of Andrews, NC; and Emily Bridges of Robbinsville, NC. Joan also had one great-grandchild, Samuel Stewart, of Lyman, SC.
Joan grew up in a large family. She leaves behind her sister, Inez Lancaster, of Blacksburg, SC and sister-in-law, Joyce Elrod, of Bessemer City, NC. Joan was looking forward to her trip to Heaven to be reunited with her siblings and spouses gone on before her, Ann Teague and husband, Austin, of Dallas, NC; Lounell Horne and husband, Joe, of Gastonia, NC; Barbara McCracken of Stecoah, NC; Billy Elrod of Bessemer City, NC; Ray Elrod of Belmont, NC; and brother-in-law, Irvin Lancaster of Gastonia, NC.
She leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as tons of family and friends who will miss her dearly. She touched many lives during her time here on Earth.
Services will be held Friday, September 25, 2020, at Valleytown Baptist Church of which she was a member. The church is located at 360 Wakefield Road in Andrews, NC. Visitation will be 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with funeral to follow at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be at Valley River Cemetery in Andrews, NC.
Services will be conducted by Eric Byrd and Eddie Hardin. Music will be provided by Kalece Sherrill, Serenity Gibson, Emily Malin, Marty & Tammy Hooper and Analasah Anderson.
Pallbearers will be Mike Stewart, Mike Allison, Cameron Fitzgerald, Duke Price, Calvin Bridges, Luke Byrd, Alan Morgan and Wesley Morgan. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Williams, Jeremiah Wike, and Justin Hyde.
Townson Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Elbert Edwin Timpson 
