Arlene McWhorter (nee Bishop) Obituary

Obituary of Arlene Estelle McWhorter

Arlene Estelle McWhorter passed peacefully in her home, leaving her loved ones to join with her Lord on August 16, 2024. Arlene was born in Sunfield Michigan on September 23rd, 1927 to Lloyd and Emma Bishop and was their only child. Born on the family farm, she was raised in the rural countryside and, as soon as she was old enough, worked hard to help her parents in the farming life.

She attended Sunfield Schools where, in high school she played girls' basketball and played trombone in the school band. Arlene graduated high school as the valedictorian of the class of 1945.

Arlene married her husband Clair McWhorter Jr on December 8,1946. He predeceased her in 1993.

In her early years of adulthood, Arlene attended business school and upon graduating from that went to work for the Harry Culp Agency as a secretary during the early 1960s. She later worked as a support professional in the Grand Ledge school system (primarily Neff Elementary) for about 40 years until she retired from the position.

Until these later years Arlene was very active as a long-time member of the Grand Ledge United Methodist Church. Arlene had the gift of hospitality and found her greatest joy in life when hosting her extended family and took great happiness in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Arlene lived and passed on her own terms. In addition to her gift of hospitality, she maintained and took pride in her home and landscape planting and displaying a riot of flowers year by year.

She is survived and missed by her many loved ones, including her children: Beth McWhorter (Leo Sell), Kelly McWhorter (Cherie), and Ann Garlock (Gary); her grandchildren: Sean McWhorter (Maddie), Meaghan Williams (Eric), Kelsey Veich (Scott), Travis Garlock; four great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Arlene's friends and neighbors who have been of great support and assistance these last number of years.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 1:00 p.m.at Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837; interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Grand Ledge. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Ledge Emergency Assistance Program (GLEAP).