Fay Freshwater Whited

Fay Laverne Freshwater Whited, age 91, passed away on February 5, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family. She lived her life as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, a beloved wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother/great grandmother. She passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, grace, and steadfast devotion to family and faith.

Fay was born on May 25, 1934, in Mebane, Alamance County, North Carolina, to Albert Wesley Freshwater, Sr. and Lodie Beatrice Freshwater. From the beginning, she was known for her academic intelligence, gentle spirit, quiet strength, and the warmth she brought to those around her.

She graduated from Mebane High School in June of 1952, and at the age of 18, entered the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. While there, Fay met and fell in love with a young Marine, John Paul Whited. Their love story blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on April 4, 1954.

Together, Fay and John were blessed with five children: John Paul Whited, Jr., Garland Keith Whited, Phillip Dale Whited, Tamara Whited Harvey, and Doby Wren Whited.

Fay’s greatest joy was her family. She dedicated her life to being a loving wife, a steadfast homemaker, a nurturing mother, and a proud grandmother and will be forever remembered in her family as “Memaw.” Her home was a place of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love, and her influence will continue for generations through those she raised and cherished.

Above all else, Fay was a lifelong and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she raised her family in the fellowship of Hebron Community Church on Mebane Oaks Road, where her devotion and quiet example of Christian love touched many lives in the community.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Wesley Freshwater, Sr. and Lodie Beatrice Freshwater; her beloved husband, John Paul Whited; her brother, Monty Craig Freshwater; and her grandson, Shannon Ross Reese.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses, along with 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love, faith, commitment, and family devotion.

She is also survived by her loving siblings: two brothers, Danny Gordon Freshwater and Albert Wesley Freshwater, Jr., and one sister, Waynona Sue Freshwater Clark, of Calhoun, Georgia, along with their families, and the family of her deceased brother, Monty.

Fay will be remembered for her grace, kindness, and unwavering commitment to Christ and those she loved. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, and a heart devoted to serving others.

A service celebrating Fay’s life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Hebron Community Church, Mebane Oaks Road, Mebane, NC. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 pm in

the Fellowship Hall, followed by the Celebration at 3:00 pm, and graveside committal immediately following. The family invites all who knew and loved Fay to honor her memory and rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Christ.

Memaw will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.