Leola Hayes Whitley, 94, of Monroe, NC passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026. She was born in Union County on August 26, 1931, daughter to the late Jesse Lee Hayes and Euna “Bright” Fincher Hayes. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Billy D. Whitley, two brothers, Clarence Hayes, J.B. Hayes, seven sisters, Jesse Carter, Hazel Aycoth, Louise Tarlton, Aline Hayes, Catha Lee Gusler, Nancy Foard, Jimmie “Jim” Whitley and brother in-law Pete Whitley.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00PM until 1:45PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112.

Leola is survived by her son, David “Alan” Whitley (Karen), three grandchildren, Shannon Turner (Maury), Josh Whitley, Marcus Whitley (Amanda), six great-grandchildren, Luke Turner, Reed Turner, Julianne Turner, Ryleigh Whitley, Jayden Whitley, Aria Whitley, sister in-law, Sylvia Whitley, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Hospice of Union County, 700 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110 or the Indian Trail Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 VFW Ln, Indian Trail, NC 28079.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

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