Janice Whitley

Janice Ferrell Whitley, 69, of Colonial Heights passed away on September 7, 2021, at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. Born in Petersburg, she was the only daughter of the late Adren Newton and Marian Breeden Ferrell.  Janice attended Midway School, graduated from Dinwiddie County High School, and took courses at Richard Bland College. After an early career in banking and surviving breast cancer, Janice joined Petersburg Eye Center as a visual field technician and remained through the merger with Virginia Eye Institute. During this time, Janice lovingly cared for her parents and retired in 2008 to care for her husband. For many years, Janice was actively engaged with Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and attended both Second Baptist Church and Walnut Hill Baptist Church. She was a devoted dance and swim team mom and actively supported Matoaca High School athletics. Janice loved connecting with friends, shopping, attending local craft shows, and home decorating, and was a thoughtful supporter of animal rescue. However, Janice’s greatest pride and joy was becoming a grandmother in 2020.  Janice was preceded by her husband of 35 years, Henry V. “Bubba” Whitley, Jr., and beloved beagle pup, Jackson. She is survived by her daughter and best friend, Dr. Sarah E. Whitley; partner, Sarah Sunde; adored grandson, Henry Bennett Sunde; and grandpuppy, Charlotte. She leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Ferrell, sister-in-law, Martha Whitley Bride; nieces and nephews, Craig and Candice Bride, Kim and Jonathan Bryant, Mickey and Dawn Ferrell, and Becky Ferrell McAllister; and a host of great nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was fortunate to have a very special chosen family as well. Special thanks to Christin Reid Cimburke for her many years of compassionate nursing care, friendship, and support. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with the Reverend Dr. Jason Snow officiating.  Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2021, at the funeral home. Guests are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Janice’s memory to the Colonial Heights Fire and EMS, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 or to the Richmond Animal League (www.ral.org) please list Janice Whitley in the “In Memory” field. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.