Wanda Jane (Whitaker) Penland

wanda penland

November 21, 1945 ~ July 20, 2025

Born in: Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

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Wanda Jane (Whitaker) Penland, 79, of Asheville, died Sunday, July 20, 2025 at Solace Center in Asheville.

Born in Asheville, she was the daughter of the late Reverend Roland Edgar and Ruby Lee (Baldwin) Whitaker. She was also preceded in death by a brother, David Edgar Whitaker.

She worked for a number of years at Taylor Instrument, Gerber, and retired from the Buncombe County Register of Deeds as a Deputy Registrar.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Penland and her husband Kebian Gilliland; a grandson, Joseph Gilliland; a sister, Theresa Hudson; a niece, Courtney Smith; and a nephew, Kevin Hudson.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard with Wilson Bishop officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM Sunday prior to the graveside service at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

For those who wish to pay their respects: July 27, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Room: Sanctuary

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2025-07-27 13:00:00 2025-07-27 02:00:00 WandaJane (Whitaker)PenlandFor those who wish to pay their respects For those who wish to pay their respects 72 Long Shoals Road,Arden, NC 28704

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Graveside Service: July 27, 2025 2:30 pm

Calvary Episcopal Churchyard
Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, NC 28732

Add to My Calendar America/New_York 2025-07-27 14:30:00 2025-07-27 14:30:00 WandaJane (Whitaker)PenlandGraveside Service Graveside Service Hendersonville Road,Fletcher, NC 28732

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  1. Worked with Wanda years ago at Gerber Products Company. I remember when Rebecca was born. Wanda was always a nice person to me and other employees at Gerber
    Rest in Peace Wanda

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  2. I worked with Wanda at the Register of Deeds and she became my best friend. We could talk about anything and always had a great time together. I will miss her dearly. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family.

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  3. Forever “my Girl” such a blessing to have known you . A Beautiful spirit & an all around wonderful lady, gonna miss your smile ,your charm ,and your all around presence. Gone but never forgotten. Love you Mrs. Wanda & may you rest in peace with our Lord.

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  4. Rebecca , you took such loving care of her. You were such a loving daughter to your sweet Mother 🩷.

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  5. Praying for you all during this difficult time. My heart goes out to you especially Rebecca, I know your Mama meant the world to you.

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  6. Some of my most treasured memories are with Wanda, Roland and Ruby , and Teresa Ann. So sorry to hear of her passing. Barbara McLean

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  7. I worked with Wanda at Gerber Products Company and we had a close relationship over the years until they closed .
    Rebecca, Wanda was a kind sweet person and “Loved You” so much.
    Cherish all of the memories and she will always be looking over you from Heaven.
    Prayers, Love and Blessings to you and your family.
    Rest in Paradise Wanda!

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