Lanita Whitley

Lanita McNew Whitley age 85 of Big Lake journeyed to meet the Lord on Friday, October 04, 2013 after a lengthy illness. Family visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Sunday, October 6th at the First Baptist Church of Big Lake. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 7th at the First Baptist Church of Big Lake with grandson Dennis Smith and Pastor Gerald Bastin officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Rest Cemetery under the direction of Robert Massie Funeral Home. Lanita was born on March 11, 1928 to James Edward McNew and Minnie Whitehead McNew in Lamesa, TX. Growing up during the depression, the lessons of that time stayed with her throughout life as she was always saving, recycling, re-using and keeping a little bit of everything. During World War II while in High School she joined a youth group who trained and were prepared to fight for America if we were invaded. She married George Flippo on October 7, 1947 in Wichita, Kansas. She was active in youth activities in her church, foster grandparents program and in Girl Scouts. She was an avid gardener and loved working with her hands. There are hundreds of crocheted dolls, afghans and pot holders all over Texas that she made. She was always busy. One of Lanita's greatest joys was playing with her grandbabies. Lanita is survived by 4 daughters: Brenda Flippo Heifner of Odessa; Charolett Judd of Big Lake; Linda Clark and husband Larry of Big Lake and Darlene Nicholson of Stanton; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren a nephew and 2 nieces along with special friends Lois Clark and Donna Conarty. She was preceded in death by her parents, her only son, George Thomas (Tommy) Flippo II, husband George Thomas Flippo, two brothers Lee McNew and Boyce McNew and a great-grandson Chase Riley Judd.