Mary Sue Whisnant, 96

Mary Sue Whisnant, 96, of Union Mills, died Friday, October 3, 2025.

She was the widow of Miles Andrew Whisnant, whom she married in 1950. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Elbert and Monnie Bollinger; stepmother Celestine Bollinger Smith; and siblings Annie Clark, Hazel Brackett, Minnie Clark, Betty Balance, Gladys Bollinger, and Charles Bollinger. She was a native of Burke County and a graduate of Glen Alpine High School, she was a longtime member of Cane Creek Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, a longtime member of WMU, and served as church secretary. Sue retired from Milliken Textiles in Golden Valley, where she worked in bookkeeping. After retirement, she ran The Basket Station with her husband Miles, selling home gifts and his homemade molasses. She took joy in meeting customers and forming friendships with everyone who visited, she never met a stranger. She loved cooking, decorating and entertaining. Most of all, she loved taking care of her family, whether by cooking, entertaining, or simply being there for them. She attended every event for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always cheering them on. Her love for her family was deep, and she took great pride in each of them. 

She is survived by her  daughter, Becky Whisnant Dorsey and her husband Stan, of Union Mills; her sister, Bertha Morris of Chesapeake, VA; her brother, Elbert Bollinger Jr. of Morganton; her grandchildren, Andy Dorsey and his wife Laura; and Allison Dorsey Kennedy and her husband Joshua, all of Rutherfordton; her great grandchildren, Jack Kennedy, Lucas Kennedy, William Kennedy, Virginia Dorsey, Cecelia Dorsey, and Eliza Dorsey. 

The Funeral will be conducted at 2:00 pm Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Cane Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Danny Camp will officiate, and Andy Dorsey and Allison Kennedy will provide eulogies. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Wayne Crawford, Mark Clark, Mike Lyles, Gary Simmons, Sam Cargill, and Ben Lyles.

There will be no formal visitation. 

Memorials may be made to Cane Creek Baptist Youth Fund, 151 Cane Creek Mountain Road, Union Mills, NC 28167 or Hospice of The Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.