Mrs. Irene Elizabeth Spivey Whittenbarger, age 89 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the Life Care Center of Copper Basin.She was born on January 16, 1924 in Jesup, GA to the late John and Minnie DeBord Spivey. Mrs. Whittenbarger was a member of the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, Woman’s Missionary Union, Faith Sunday School Class and a member and past worthy matron of the Order of Eastern Star Beulah Chapter #21. She was a former member of the Fannin County School Board and the Community Action Board of Directors. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Whittenbarger; brothers, James, Cecil and J.D. Spivey and sister, Myra Pinkett.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, David and April Whittenbarger of Woodstock, GA; daughter, Bianca Whittenbarger of Blue Ridge, GA and granddaughter, Gracie Whittenbarger.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with the Rev. Harry Gilbert and Rev. Renny Whittenbarger officiating. The Eastern Star service will be conducted by the Beulah Chapter #21 Order of the Eastern Star. Interment will follow in the Copper Ridge Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Paul Canaverde, Layne Welch, Kenny Cook, Bryant Welch, Bill Tilley and Dellon Ash. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Order of the Eastern Star Beulah Chapter #21, First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill Faith Sunday School Class, Woman’s Missionary Union the Betty Cadle Group, Cecil Davis, Junior and Wilma McDaris.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.