Lurline Stone Whitaker

Lurline Stone Whitaker passed away on April 29, 2026 at the age of 86. She was surrounded by family and friends at Chatham Ridge Assisted Living in Chapel Hill.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard Eben Stone Sr. and Mabel Upchurch Stone as well as her husband of fifty-eight years, Lendo Edgar Whitaker Jr.

Lurline was a native of Durham, NC. She kept children in the home while raising her girls. She also worked for a private dentist and then eventually retired from UNC Public Television. She was a member of the former Carrboro Baptist Church.

Lurline loved life! She was a big Carolina Tarheel fan and wore her Carolina attire as she pulled for the teams. She enjoyed being around family and friends. Playing cards, crafts, jigsaw puzzles and dancing to beach and Motown music were some of her favorite things to do. She and her husband enjoyed shagging together. Her favorite vacation destination was Myrtle Beach Travel Park Campground where the family and friends would relax and laugh together. Lurline loved to shop and never passed up a good deal. She was the ‘life of the party’ and was always looking for a good time.

Lurline is survived by her daughters Gay Austin and son-in-law Nathaniel of Newton, NC; Kathleen W. Sadler of Midlothian, VA and Christine A. Whitaker of Carrboro, NC. She is also survived by her granddaughters Joy Austin, Holly Austin, Courtney Sadler, Sydney Sadler and husband John Kaddo, and one great grandchild Beck Kaddo. Lurline is also survived by her only sibling Howard “Chip” Stone, Jr. and sister-in-law Mary Anne Stone, and sister-in-law Janet Whitaker, one niece and three nephews as well as her beloved dog, Lily.

The family would like to thank the special friends and caregivers she had at Chatham Ridge for adding fun to her days and sharing their love with her.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Walkers Funeral Home in Chapel Hill. The family will be wearing Carolina Tarheel attire or colors to the service and invite you to do the same.