Beatrice Gryder Whitaker

Beatrice Gryder "Becky" Whitaker, 91, of Asheville, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday evening, August 2, 2014. A native of Asheville, Mrs. Whitaker was a daughter of the late Lester and Docia Fore Gryder. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Charles "Curly" Whitaker, who died in 2009; her brother, Howard Gryder, and by a grandson, Johnny Whitaker. Mrs. Whitaker retired from the National Climatic Data Center, where she worked as a key punch operator. She was a former member of Gashes Creek Baptist Church and taught Sunday School there for many years. Her former students would often approach her years later to let her know what an impression she left on them. She was a member of the Reynolds Baptist Church family. She is survived by her daughter, Charlene Fowler, of Marion; son, Dale Whitaker and wife Patty, of Asheville; sisters, Faye Presnell, of Asheville, and Joyce Sheehan, of Fletcher; brother, Danny Gryder, of Seneca, SC; grandchildren, Melinda Carrabis and husband Pat, and Ronnie Whitaker, all of Asheville; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Mrs. Whitaker will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16 at Reynolds Baptist Church with Pastor Bobby Smith officiating. Her family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Reynolds Baptist Church General Fund, 520 Rose Hill Rd., Asheville, NC 28803. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.