Mary Whisenhunt

Waynesville, Mary Jean Whisenhunt, 85, passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at her residence after a brief illness. She was native of Buncombe County and resided in Haywood County most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Homer and Hester Francis West, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Roberts Whisenhunt, who passed away in 2012. Mary Jean was a school librarian for several years, co-owner of Waynesville Drive-In Theater and a devoted housewife. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She is survived by a daughter, Leigh Whisenhunt of Waynesville; a son, Rick Whisenhunt and his wife, Julie, of Fairfax, Virginia; three sisters-in-law, Edith Whisenhunt, Katherine Duval and Alice Falls; three grandchildren, James Roberts Whisenhunt, Ryan West Whisenhunt and Allison Reece Whisenhunt; many cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Junaluska Capital Fund – Rose Walk, P. O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 or to Friends of Waynesville Library, 678 South Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.