Cillar Smith Whitener, 89, of Valdese, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 1, 2023 after a period of declining health.
Born in Gaffney, SC on March 20, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Carl Lee Smith and Tennie Davis Smith.
Cillar was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She retired from Shadowline after 52 years of service. She enjoyed belonging to the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does where she served as President for three years and the NC State President in 1984. She also enjoyed league bowling, reading and traveling.
In addition to her parents, Cillar was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Whitener, Jr.; son, Jeff Whitener; and brother, Dewey Bumgarner.
She is survived by her son, Terry L. Whitener (Melanie); grandchildren, Lindsay Loyer (Brian) and Jeremy Whitener (J.D.); great-grandchildren, Tyler and Lily Loyer; daughter-in-law, Sandy Whitener; sister-in-law, Sue Bumgarner; and niece, Chesley Bumgarner.
The family would like to thank Debbie Cramer, Melanie Byres, Carolina Rehab Center of Burke and Carolina Caring - Hospice and Palliative Care in Burke County for their care and support of Cillar.
There will be a private graveside service at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 (T2T.org) or to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2396 Enola Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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What a joy it was to visit with Cillar. She always blessed me with her positive outlook on life. She never failed to praise God for all He had done for her over the years. Though I will miss her, I praise the Lord that she can now live life to the fullest in heaven. My sincere condolences to the family of Cillar. I know you, too, will miss her.
Cillar was a dear friend to my mother Juanita Berry and our families grew up together. A lifetime can go so fast and we enjoyed it. We've gone our separate ways but still have the memories. I know Cillar had a wonderful reunion. Her earth family will be in my prayers. My God be with you all.