Laura W. Whisnant

Laura Elizabeth Withrow Whisnant, 84, of Fayetteville, NC, passed away peacefully at home on August 24, 2026.

She was born on June 19, 1942, in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Rev. John D. Withrow, Jr., and Elizabeth Akerman Withrow.

Laura married the love of her life, Donald Wilson Whisnant, in 1960. They attended Appalachian State Teachers College, and upon graduating, moved to Fayetteville, NC, where they lived, worked, and raised their family. They shared 63 years of marriage until his death in 2024.

Laura taught in the Cumberland County School system at Cumberland Road Elementary for 31 years, teaching first, second, and third grades. True to her big heart and her love for children, her connection to her students didn't end on holidays or during summer vacation. She welcomed students into her home to bake cookies and frequently picked them up during the summer to take them to the public library.

Laura enjoyed cooking, sewing, and singing in her church choir. She was an accomplished cook and seamstress and found great joy in music. Her greatest pleasure in life, though, was her family.

She is survived by her sister, Leila Withrow Bruder; her children, Ellen Whisnant Abernathy and husband, Dennis; Crystal Whisnant Blue and husband, David; Sherri Whisnant Spichiger and husband, Gary; Hong Nguyen Starkey and husband, Marvin; Thuy Nguyen Arnold and husband, Curt; BeThuy Nguyen Williams and husband, Jason; Trong Nguyen; and MyChau Nguyen.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kayla Abernathy and wife, Kayla; Emerald Blue; Nolan Allison; Benjamin Spichiger; Daniel Spichiger; John "Jack" Spichiger; Navi Starkey Jackson and husband, Spencer; Megan Starkey; Natalie Starkey; Victoria Starkey; Sophia Starkey; Jett Harris; Nick Nguyen; Anna Nguyen; Thai Cruz; Tina Cruz McDaniel and husband, Demetrius; and Tatum Nguyen; and her great-grandchildren, Damon Wyatt Reep, Elijah Nathaniel Perry, Brantley Allen Rose, and Kamari McDaniel.

Last, but certainly not least, she is survived by her little cat, Oreo.

Laura was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Wilson Whisnant; her parents, John David Withrow, Jr., and Elizabeth Akerman Withrow; her brothers, John David Withrow, III, and Reid Parker Withrow; and her granddaughter, Kristina Rose Abernathy.

A service celebrating Laura's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made via check issued to the "Westminster Presbyterian Church Springfest Fund", helping to continue its work providing for underprivileged children in Cumberland County. The mailing address is Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2505 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304. Questions may be directed to the church office at (910) 485-8128 or wpc2505@wpcfayetteville.org . Thank you in advance for your generosity. On behalf of our family we appreciate you remembering our Mother.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan's Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.