Wanda Whetsel

Wanda Wanell Dykes Whetsel, 79, passed away Sunday morning with her daughters by her side. She spent most of her life in the Pine Grove/ Fodderstack Mountain area of Greene County and a short portion of time at her grandparents in Sullivan County in early childhood. She was known as a stand out basketball player in high school and continued playing in independent leagues after graduation. She attended Greeneville School of Commerce and worked at Mason Dixon before becoming a full time home maker. She was a devoted pastor's wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and was involved in or supported PTA, Girl Scouts, NGHS Band/Athletics and the churches where her husband was pastor. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 319, serving as Grand Representative to New Hampshire and as Worthy Matron during her membership.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend E. Earl Whetsel; parents, Ona Lee Doty Dykes and Joseph Paul Dykes; sister, Juanita Irene Dykes Light; brothers-in-law, Bob L. Light, Homer Ray Whetsel, James "Bud" Sams, Lee Hite and sister-in-law, Linda Whetsel Hite.

She is survived by three daughters, Valerie Walters, Lorna Belt and Sonya Whetsel; two sons-in-law, David Walters and Michael J. Belt; two grandchildren, Samantha and Spencer Belt; sisters-in-law, Juanita Whetsel Sams and Dorthea "Dot" W. Whetsel; nieces, Cheryl Light, Carol S. Crawford; nephews, Mark Sams and Dwayne Whetsel.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 27, from 2-4 p.m. and 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Hamlett Dobson, Fall Branch.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with The Reverend Donnie Bailey and Reverend Ronnie Baxter. Eastern Star members will also have a memorial service to conclude the funeral service.

A graveside service will be held at Bethany Free Will Baptist Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

Pallbearers will be Michael and Spencer Belt, David Walters, Mark Sams, Dwayne Whetsel, Michael Searcy, Gale Crawford, and Harold Doty.

Memorial donations may be made to The Eastern Star Chapter 319, in care of Helen Shipley, 50 Shipley Ln, Greeneville, TN 37745; Bethany Cemetery Fund in care of Phyllis White, 1720 Foxtail Ln., Kingsport, TN 37660; St. Jude's Children Hospital or Free Will Baptist Bible College .

She wanted everyone to know how much she appreciated the kind deeds, visits, and prayers that were sent her way. Special thanks to Lynda Dawson for relieving family at the hospital, Jane Bailey for her presence Sunday morning and to CVA, PA, Regional Kidney Care, Holston Valley, Advanced Home Health and Health South Rehabilitation staff for their care.