Joyce Shultz Whitaker, 79, of Wingate, NC passed away on January 14, 2026. She was born in Gaston County, NC on April 19, 1946, daughter to the late Otis Roy Shultz and Roxie Pate Shultz. She is also preceded in death by her brother Doug Couick and sister Ola Mae “Pug” Stirewalt.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112.

Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Jerry Lewis Whitaker, son, Ronnie Whitaker (Michelle), two grandchildren, Greyson Whitaker (Kendal), Collin Whitaker, a great-grandchild, Annemarie Whitaker, three sisters, Betty Mull, Faye Underwood and Saundra King, brother in-law, Roger Whitaker (Debbie), and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe NC 28110 or Mountain Springs Baptist Church, 2509 Mountain Springs Church Rd, Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service & Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Whitaker Family.