Shirley B. H. Whittemore

Shirley B. H. Whittemore
Aug. 28, 1940 – Jan. 3, 2026
Shirley Bernice Hargrove Whittemore, born Aug. 28, 1940, in Bartlett, TX, died Jan. 3, 2026. Affectionately known to many as “Mrs. Shirley,” she was a godly woman whose life was marked by faith, kindness, and quiet strength. She greeted everyone with warmth, respect, and a gentle word, and she was a constant source of love, reassurance, and encouragement to all who knew her.
Mrs. Shirley served others faithfully through her work as a childcare provider, bank teller, and registered nurse. In her nursing career, she shared wisdom and compassion, becoming a role model and mentor to many young nurses who followed in her footsteps.
She married the love of her life, Lee Edward Whittemore, on Dec. 23, 1957, and they shared a devoted marriage until his passing on Sept. 15, 2016. Together, they raised four sons: Scott Lee Whittemore (also known as Chance Davis), Shane Wes Whittemore, Lance Braden Whittemore, and Lail Edward Whittemore.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Monroe Hargrove and Bernice Howell Hargrove; her sister, Melba Doris Hargrove Nash, and brother-in-law, Howard Nash; brother, Jimmy Richard Hargrove; parents-in-law, Lail Lee Whittemore and Benita Faulk Whittemore; husband, Lee Edward Whittemore; and son, Scott Lee Whittemore.
She is survived by her husband, John Raymond Woodall; her sons and their spouses, Shane Wes and Diana Turner Whittemore, Lance Braden and Rebecca Rushing Whittemore, and Lail Edward and Kelly Bell Whittemore; grandchildren, Bo Whittemore (Toni), Chancie Leigh Whittemore Godbold (Scott), Braden Montana Whittemore, Addison Grace Whittemore, Emmi Virginia Whittemore, Annie O’Brien Whittemore, Eliza Lail Whittemore, Hannah Craft, and Haley Craft Yawn; and her great-grandchildren, Eleanor Sutton Godbold and Lance Jennings Godbold; sister-in-law, Shirley Hargrove; nieces, Jeri Hargrove Archer, Mary Nash Camper, and Debbie Nash; nephew Michael Hargrove.
Mrs. Shirley was a virtuous woman, deeply loved and fondly remembered for her patience, selflessness, kindness, and unwavering love for Christ.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered prayers and encouragement, and especially to Mrs. Shirley’s medical providers and caregivers at Camellia Estates and The Claiborne. Your compassion and devotion will always be remembered with gratitude.
A memorial service will be held at McComb Church of Christ, 1111 Parklane Road, McComb, MS, Jan. 24, 2026, at 3 p.m.