Evelyn (Garris) Whitley

Evelyn Garris Whitley (“Gram”), 86, left this earth peacefully on Monday, March 2nd, 2020.

Evelyn was born to Kemp B. and Pauline W. Garris on March 26, 1933, in Richmond County, NC. She was a graduate of J.W. Cannon High School, class of 1951, where she served as the class historian. Her clerical career began in the payroll department of J.P. Stevens Textiles in Rockingham, NC. After returning to Kannapolis in 1964, she worked in the retirement department at Cannon Mills, Plant 1. In 1972, Evelyn became secretary to the Dean of Architecture at UNC Charlotte. Thereafter, she worked as the administrative assistant to UNC Charlotte’s first 3 Chancellors: Dr. D.W. Colvard, Dr. E.K  Fretwell, and Dr. James H. Woodward.  While at UNC Charlotte, she was an officer of the Charlotte Chapter Executive Womens International. Evelyn retired in 1994.

Having a strong compassion for assisting and serving others, Evelyn was an active member in the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. She also created a positive influence on her children, grandchildren, and community by sharing her musical talents. Evelyn had a beautiful love for praising and worshipping the Lord by playing the piano, organ, hand bells and harp. Known for being active in church, she served tirelessly at Kimball Memorial Lutheran, Newell Presbyterian, and Roberdell United Methodist Churches.

In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded death by her husband, William P. Whitley (2016), and her sister, Beverly G. Chaffin (2010).

Those left to cherish her beloved memories include: sons, Mel Thompson (Myra), Trent Thompson (Marlene); daughters Annette Austin (Jimmy), Alyson Whitley; grandchildren, Corey Davis (Tim), Erin Thompson, Kemp Thompson, Hunter Thompson, Barrett Austin (Angie); 9 great-grandchildren; and brother-in law, Gene Chaffin.

Evelyn’s family will receive friends at Kimball Memorial Lutheran from 12:30-1:45 pm on Friday, March 6th, followed by a celebration of her life, officiated by Reverend John Futterer. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Salvation Army of Cabarrus County or Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at Whitley’s Funeral Home.