Blanche Elizabeth Whitaker

Asheville - Blanche Elizabeth Jones Whitaker, 96, formerly of 310 Onteora Blvd., passed away Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Oaks of Sweeten Creek. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Ethel McKinnish Jones, and the wife of the late King S. Whitaker. She was also preceded in death by her sisters: Gertrude Ballew, and Annie Bell McCarson; and brothers: Franklin Dallas Jones and Leroy Jones. Surviving are her daughters: Evelyn Craft and husband Bob of Asheville, and Helen Hettrick and husband Albert of Orange Park, FL.; grandchildren: Ramona C. Whichello and husband Steve, Marcia C. Hendrix and husband Noel and Karen Craft, all of Asheville, and Timothy Hettrick and wife Carol of Palatka, FL; great-grandchildren: Kasey, Hollis, Haley, Samuel, Bethany, Sarah, Roy, and Joseph; and niece, Sandra Levi of Asheville. Graveside services will be held at 2PM Wednesday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with the Rev. Noel Hendrix and Rev. Russ Pierce officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the W.M.U. Reading Program, C/O Oakley United Methodist Church, 607 Fairview Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the Whitaker family.