Emily "Virginia" Blount Whitley passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday evening, May 22, 2021.   She was born on October 18, 1923 in Nash County and was the daughter of the late WJ and Ruby Marshburn Blount and the granddaughter of John D Blount.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of over 58 years, Marvin H "Bill" Whitley; her sister, Dorothy Blount Faulkner; and her brother, JD Blount.

Virginia was a gentle soul and loved visits from her family and friends.  In earlier years she and her husband would spend time at their home away from home at Pamlico with their beloved Black Lab and enjoyed many visits from the local neighbors as well.   They always enjoyed their children and grandchildren coming to Pamlico to spend time with them and had a lot of fun together.  In later years after Bill's passing, she would enjoy sitting on her porch listening to the birds sing, watching the vapor trails from jets in the sky and taking in the sunshine.   She always said it was good eye exercise for her.   A lot of special conversations took place with her while sitting on the porch….a very wise lady offering good sound advice.  She was amazing and will be greatly missed!

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Jane Whitley Pridgen of Rocky Mount; Penny Whitley Regan and husband, Pat of Delaware; son, John Marvin Whitley of Rocky Mount; sister, Marlene Blount of Knightdale; grandchildren, Jessica Whitley Denton and husband Allen, John Damian Whitley, Michael Patrick Regan and wife Alison, James Patrick "JP" Regan, Matthew Hilliard Regan and wife Shannon, 5 great-grandchildren, and several nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, 11:00AM at Pineview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Virginia's memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Shekeiya Phillips and Pastor Ricky Forkum from Community Hospice of Rocky Mount.  A special thank you also to Shirley Jenkins for afternoon homecare.