Mary Lou Bates Whitaker
March 16, 1940 ~ August 24, 2026
Born in:
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Resided in:
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailMary Lou Whitaker, 86, of Fairview, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in Asheville.
A native and lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was a daughter of the late Rufus and Hazel Bates. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, William Frederick “Fred” Whitaker, one brother, Harold Boyce “Bobie” Bates and one grandson, Joseph Harold Whitaker.
Mary Lou was a graduate of AC Reynolds High School and retired with 50 years of service at CP Clare / Tyco / CII. She was a member of Faith Chapel. Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother and sister and was very strong in her faith. She was a wonderful cook and loved supporting her children and grandchildren in their sports and activities. She never complained, was resilient and will be forever remembered as loving and caring to everyone she met. She enjoyed flower gardening, spending time with family, going the beach and attending and watching all sports.
She is survived by her children, William “Bill” Whitaker, Teresa Whitaker Boone (Keith), Tim Whitaker (Lisa) and Lisa Whitaker Honeycutt; grandchildren, Joshua Boone (Crystal), Eric Boone, Jeremiah Boone, Billy Whitaker (Karen), Kayla Whitaker, Amanda Whitaker, Jacob Whitaker (Haley); great-grandchildren, Jordyn Whitaker, Tyler Allen, Colston Boone, Eilah Boone, Mia Whitaker and Cade Whitaker; sister, Linda Bates Barnes (Ben), many nieces, nephews and extended family and countless friends. She was a special mother to several children outside of her own family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, August 31 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with burial to follow at Cane Creek Cemetery. Her family will greet friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2:00 until 3:00 PM. Flowers are appreciate, but for those who choose, memorial donations may be made to Faith Chapel, 10 Sigmon Road, Fletcher NC 28732.
Services
Funeral Service: August 31, 2026 3:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
The Family Will Greet Friends: August 31, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Room: Chapel
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828) 687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Thinking of you Bill and your family during this time.
Libby west lash
Heaven gained another angel! She was a special lady. Always nice to me. Prayers going out to the family.
Rhonda Reese
Mary Lou you were an angel. And are truly going to be missed. You were a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul soul inside and out. I love you sweet friend. And I am truly going to miss you with all my being gorgeous lady.
My mama Marylou treated me as one of her children, she had such a kind heart and a beautiful soul. I will miss you every day. I’m happy to call you my mama Marylou
She was always the nicest person at family gatherings. Now she will be in that great family gathering over there with aunt Hazel and Boyce , not to mention with her Saviour
Bill, Tim & Billy,
So very sorry to hear about your mama/grandma’s passing. Mary Lou was the kindest most genuine gentle soul, and she will be missed.
Love to all the family,
Kathy Neely, Seth Sawyer
So sorry for the loss of this beautiful soul. Such a sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grieving. I light a candle in remembrance of Mary Lou. May her light shine forever in your hearts, and may her memory remind you how precious time with loved ones is. May peace be with you.
William,Teresa,Tim,&Lisa-I’m sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.She was like a second mama to me growing up with y’all. Love all of you & keeping you in my prayers because God sends comfort when nothing else can.