Gearline Mae Altom Whitener, 93, of Batesville, passed peacefully from this life to her heavenly home on December 18, 2022. Gearline was born on September 18, 1929, to Clarence Elmer and Lena Pearl Altom (Dossett) of Floral, Ar. After graduating from Floral Schools, she attended then Arkansas College, studying business. She used her business skills in a variety of clerical positions in Batesville. Gearline enjoyed crocheting and was a wonderful cook. But she devoted her life to raising her two sons and her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Batesville.
Gearline was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Vic Altom, Nolan Altom and W.T. Altom and a sister, Irene Altom Yost.
Survivors include her two sons Dennis Whitener (Jeannie) and Roger Whitener (Joyce) both of Batesville, one sister, Glenna Altom Wommack (Cleon) of Indianapolis, Indiana, four grandchildren, Julie Whitener LaRose (Chad) of Manila, Arkansas, Artie Whitener (Nikki), Alan Whitener (Shannon), both of Batesville and Jeff Whitener (Kelsey) of Magnolia, Arkansas. She was blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Bentley Whitener, Jenna LaRose, Presley Whitener, Jordan LaRose, Alyssa Whitener, Price and Jolee Whitener, Josie LaRose, Austin Whitener and one honorary great-grandchild, Ruthann Lowrence.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. Stacy Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Artie Whitener, Alan Whitener, Jeff Whitener, Bentley Whitener, Chad LaRose and Jim Fulbright.
The family would like to thank Woodlawn Nursing Home, White River Health and Caring Hands Hospice for their loving care of our mother.
Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Batesville – Building Fund at 610 E. Main St. Batesville, AR 72501.
