Dorothy Whitley Langley

Dorothy Whitley Langley, 95, was called home to be with her beloved Lord on Friday, April 29, 2022. She was born March 9, 1927 in Nash County to Milton Hugh Whitley and Cora Jane Pittman Whitley. Dorothy was a graduate of West Edgecombe High School and went on to live the majority of her life in Wilson.

Dorothy, affectionately known as “Big Ma” to her great-granddaughters, was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her captivating smile with eyes that sparkled and her gift for making everyone feel so loved.  Dorothy’s sense of humor and contagious laugh always made her a joy to be around.  

As a young woman, Dorothy went dancing with her husband on Saturday nights and continued her love of dance throughout her life.  She also enjoyed crochet and knitting and shared her talents with ministries within her church. In her later years, she especially enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, puzzles, and games with her great-granddaughters, exploring the town with her daughter, and a beer on the porch with her son-in-law on warm afternoons.

An active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Dorothy made lasting friendships within her church family as she participated in various groups and activities.  She lived a life of worship, beginning each day by reading her Bible. She inspired her family to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:1)

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Samuel Ely Langley; both of her parents; her sisters, Lucille Eason and Margaret Corinth, and five brothers, Thurman, Randolph, Bill, David, and Ted Whitley.

Dorothy is survived by her only daughter, Deborah Jane Langley Wilkins and husband, Richard of Morehead City; two grandchildren, Shannon Maureen O’Dea of Morehead City, and Thomas Francis O’Dea and wife, Sarah Swan of Raleigh; two great-granddaughters, Darden Langley O’Dea and Harriet Barnes O’Dea of Raleigh; brother Jack Whitley and wife, Ann of Burlington, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will host a visitation at the Joyner Funeral Home in Wilson at 11 am on Tuesday, May 3rd, followed by a funeral service which will be held at noon.  The interment will take place immediately following the service in Evergreen Memorial Park.  A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City on Saturday, May 14th. 

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caring and compassionate nurses at Carteret Health Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City or to the Carteret Health Care Foundation. 

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.