Betty Whisnant

Betty Loraine Horne Whisnant, born October 20, 1935 in Canton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 89 in Gulf Breeze, FL. She was the daughter of Orville and Loraine Horne and a sister to William O. Horne (m. to Marietta Horne) of Cranford, NJ. Betty’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service, leaving a profound impact on all who knew her.

Betty shared nearly 65 wonderful years with her devoted husband, Jimmy Alfred Whisnant, whom she met in Pensacola, FL, and married in 1960. Together, they built a family rooted in love and strong values, raising two daughters, Linda Whisnant (m. to Larry Smith) and Carolyn W. Rogers (m. to John W. Rogers). She was also a proud and devoted grandmother to Naaman Smith, Brian Rogers, and Jessica Rogers.

Betty attended Anderson Bible College in Indiana before earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Millsaps University, Jackson, MS. Her passion for education extended to her career as an 8th-grade Biology teacher at Warrington Middle School in Pensacola, FL. Later, she dedicated herself to her family as a stay-at-home mom, cherishing her role in raising her daughters and nurturing their growth.

Betty was a woman of many talents and passions. Her hobbies included playing the piano during church services in her college years, competitive league tennis at Roger Scott Tennis Center Pensacola, both ladies and couples bridge clubs and sewing many beautiful clothes for herself and two daughters. Betty and Jimmy shared a love for travel, embarking on cruises as well as annual trips the mountains of North Carolina for over 30 years.

Betty’s life was enriched by her strong faith and dedication to service. She actively contributed to her community through her service with the Pensacola YWCA, Pensacola Junior Women’s Club, and Pensacola Women’s Chamber of Commerce. She was an active in her church, Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, serving over the years in multiple United Methodist Women leadership roles including President, as Kitchen Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher, and Bible Study facilitator. She started the “Book Place” book store in the church and actively managed it for +20 years up until her passing. Betty was a devoted member of the Messiah Sunday School Class.

Betty’s deep appreciation for family heritage was evident in her commitment to attending biannual family reunions in Mississippi, where she joyfully reconnected with relatives.

Visitation will be held at Rose Lawn Funeral Home, Gulf Breeze, FL, Sunday, April 13, 2-4 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 1:30 pm with viewing 1-1:30. Flowers or donations in her honor may be made to the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Dr, Gulf Breeze, FL 3256,                         www.gbumc.org