Nella Mae Allred Whittemore, age 96, of Jacksonville, FL passed away Monday, October 19, 2020. A native of Alamance County, North Carolina and longtime resident of Graham, she was employed with the Alamance County Department of Health and Human Services and the Alamance County Sheriff's Department until her retirement in 1988. In 1942 she married her high school sweetheart, James M. Whittemore, Jr., and together they celebrated 76 years of marriage. A loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, her kindness, generosity, courage and, strength were an inspiration to all who knew her. Though she and Jay relocated to Florida in 2004, she continued to be a loyal member and supporter of the Riverside Baptist Church in Graham, NC.

She was preceded in death by her mother Nettie Jeanette Allred Oliver, father, James Kelly Allred, stepfather, Johnny Clyde Oliver, step sisters Linda Oliver Weed, Billie Oliver De Ford, and step brother, Johnny C. Oliver, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter Gail Whittemore-Smith and husband Thomas Vaughn Smith of Jacksonville, FL, sister Mrs. Helen Allred La Mar of Burlington, NC, sister-in law Mrs. Mimi Whittemore Saunders of Graham, NC, and many special maternal and paternal nieces and nephews.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Joy Currie, Mary Hemphill, Carolyn Bray, and Priscilla Reyes, loyal and compassionate care givers who provided constant loving care and assistance. Grateful appreciation is also extended to Community Hospice of Jacksonville, FL for their medical expertise, and spiritual support. A special thanks is extended to Pastor Bob Stephenson and the congregation of Riverside Baptist Church, NC for their continuous prayers and support.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 24, 2020 in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home.

Her family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the hour of service at the funeral home.

She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Jacksonville National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests all memorials be sent to Riverside Baptist Church, Graham, NC and Community Hospice of Jacksonville, Florida.