A notable preacher, pastor, and presiding elder transitioned to the celestial city in his native land of North Carolina on Thursday, February 21, 2019. The Reverend Doctor Edmund Horace Whitley, Sr., a most beloved husband, father, grandfather, and minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, was the oldest child of the late Noble Whitley and Martha Nichols Whitley Jones. He was born on January 16, 1932 in Williamston, NC and became the apple of his mother’s eye and the pride of his father’s heart.
While a new pastor, Edmund married Catherine Hopkins of Jamesvillle, NC, and they were united in holy matrimony on July 4, 1959. Together, they served in marriage and ministry for nearly sixty years. Their collective witness and service to the Christian church, districts, conferences, and the connectional African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church were evident of a couple in love with our LORD, each other, and the people of GOD. They are the proud parents of three children, Edmund H. Whitley, Jr., Cathy Denise Whitley Whitaker, and Princess Michelle Whitley Prince.
As a scholar and singer, Edmund distinguished himself as a well-rounded student of ministry and pastoring. Dr. Whitley graduated from Edgar J. Hayes High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Army and his stations included Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he matriculated at Elizabeth City State University. In 1960, Dr. Whitley enrolled at Knoxville College to continue to sharpen his skills for a more effective witness in ministry. Dr. Whitley received the Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Richmond Virginia Seminary, May, 1999. Dr. Whitley was a lifetime member of the Doric Lodge Number 28 PHA in Durham, NC.
He had a unique way of making his voice heard and his presence felt in preaching, singing, learning, and teaching as a man of GOD. He preached his trial sermon in March, 1953; subsequently, he was ordained an elder in the A.M.E. Zion Church and assigned to his first church. He was later appointed to various churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia. Dr. Whitley was elevated to the office of Presiding Elder of the historic Norfolk District, October 1993 by hands of the late Episcopal Father, Bishop Milton A. Williams, Sr. Immediately, he became active with the International Presiding Elder’s Council where he served graciously until his death and for 10 years as its chaplain.
After a loving pastorate and presiding eldership, Dr. Whitley retired in June, 2013. The late Bishop Richard K. Thompson bestowed upon Dr. Whitley the status of Presiding Elder Emeritus after 60 years in ministry. Upon retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Whitley joined the Saint Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church in Norfolk, VA and faithfully supported the ministry of Dr. Joseph E. and Mrs. Joyce G. Lamb with joy.
His memory will be eternally cherished by his beloved wife, Catherine Hopkins Whitley; one son, Edmund, Jr.; two daughters, Cathy W. Whitaker (Rev. Dr. Leo), Princess W. Prince (Rev. Dr. Adolphus); six grandchildren, Twila, Kacy, Christine, and John Whitley and Yohance and Adom Whitaker; two sisters, Edith Whitley Scott (Ernest, Sr.) and Charlotte Delores Hamilton; one sister-in-law, Alice H. Marriner; a faithful nephew, the Rev. Dr. Ervin Scott (Loretta); an array of nieces, nephews, cousins, “adopted” daughters and sons, and a host of friends and ministerial colleagues.
Condolences(11)-
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Rev. Clarenctene Jones says
February 24, 2019 at 11:41 amSorry for your lost. Praying that our Lord who loves you, will speak comfort to your heart in the days to come.
Michael L. Williams says
February 25, 2019 at 8:35 amTo Kathy and your entire family,
So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Elder Whitley! “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding…”
I am praying for God’s comfort today and in days/years to come. Life will not be the same, but God is able. Be Blessed!
Michael Williams and Family
Marsha Blye says
February 25, 2019 at 11:43 amTo the Whitley family, Im so sorry To hear of the passing of the Passing of your husband,& father. He was compassionate, funny, kind,loving,& gracious. I thank GOD for having him as my pastor twice.May GOD bless and keep you during this difficult time. The Blye Family.
Mary H. Jones McNeely says
February 25, 2019 at 4:40 pmMrs. Whitley, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayer. Just remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Sisterly,
Mary H. Jones McNeely
Charlotte, NC
Estherine J. Harding says
February 26, 2019 at 2:04 pmI extend deepest sympathy and prayers to the family of Elder Whitley. Did not know him personally, but always admired him for his eloquence of speech and teaching whenever I was in various settings and he was present. This “giant” is truly going to be missed by so many.
May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Those whose lives he touched through conversation, preaching, and teaching will never forget him. ….just so profound, such a gifted and anointed individual.
Earl Robinson says
February 26, 2019 at 4:02 pmWith deepest sympathy my heart goes out to the entire Whitley family and his wife Katherine. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Good bye my friend may you rest eternal peace. I really admired him as a big part of our Sentara pulmonary and heart Rehabilitation fitness center. He will be missed by all of our Fitness teammates.
Earl and Lashawna Robinson
Rev. Dr. James Edwards, lll says
February 27, 2019 at 12:36 pmOur condolences to the family of Reverend Dr. Whitley, Sr. Truly we shall miss his spirit and his joy expressed in his service to our Lord.
Rev. Dr. James and Rev. Dee Edwards, lll
Retired Pastor and Firstlady of New Rose of Sharon, Ches., VA
Rosalind Faye Bailey Vinson says
February 27, 2019 at 12:51 pmTo Mrs. Katherine Whitley and family. We the family of Robert and Pearlie Bailey of Mt. Olive AMEZ Church in Durham NC send our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of this great Elder. We loved him as well and had lots of good memories of his great leadership at Mt. Olive. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Bailey Family
Julius & Maxine Thomas says
February 28, 2019 at 1:39 pmRev. Julius & Maxine Thomas, did not know Dr. & Mrs. Whitley personally. We would see them regularly, in a social setting, at the Golden Corral, most Fridays, in Chesapeake, Va. We would exchange greetings and salutations. Most of all, we know them as Christians. Now we rejoice that he is in God’s dwelling. Mrs. Green who you would also greet sends her prayers.
JAMES R. BRADLEY says
February 28, 2019 at 10:26 pmKeeping You Close in Caring Thoughts and Prayers: Though your heart must hold deep sadness at the loss of the you loved, may it also hold the blessings of the life you shared and the love that will always be a part of you. Praying that God will comfort your heart, uplift your spirit, and carry you through this time of sadness to a place of peace.
With Deepest Sympathy
THE BRADLEY FAMLY
HF says
March 1, 2019 at 1:14 pmReverend Doctor Whitley was not only my Pastor but a beloved good friend he and his wife were my extended family. He taught me many lessons on how to serve the LORD but be a good yomen to the gospel. I and my family will miss him. He was truly my friend in the gospel,but a BROTHER ON THE LEVEL. I truly know as his boat is anchored in that Jordan River he will for EVER be a STRONG link in my chain with my faith in the LORD.