Whitaker, Carolyn Ahart
Carolyn Ahart Whitaker, 85, of Christiansburg, VA, passed away at home on November 7, 2025 with her family by her side after a short battle with leukemia. Born May 10, 1940 in Parkin, Arkansas, she was pre-deceased by her parents Frank and Annie Ahart, husband Dan C. Whitaker, son Michael C. Conner and sisters Reggie L. Gaines and Ruthie (Beanie) Shell.
She is survived by her children, Billie C. Linkous (Tony), Phyllis C. Kingery (Timmy), Phillip D. Conner and Melanie A. Collins, her step-children, Dan Jr. (Lylah), James (Trish), Joseph (Etta), Jerry, and Donna (Bill) Biggs and MANY MANY grand and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Frank (Judy) Ahart and sister Patricia Woods both of Wynne, Arkansas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Arkansas, after high school graduation in 1958 she enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training she was transferred to Orlando, Florida as a clerk, where she met her first husband, Billie C. Conner of Floyd County. In September 1976 she married Dan C. Whitaker and they remained married until his death on June 19th, 2015.
Carolyn worked as a seamstress for Imperial Reading for many years and after retirement as a cashier at the Christiansburg Walmart. The granddaughter of a river boat gambler on the Mississippi, she was known for her poker playing and love of Bingo. Nannie was an avid game player whether it was board games or cards. She taught all of us, from the oldest child to the youngest great grandchild and extended family how to play and win. Rarely a day went by when she wasn’t playing a game of aggravation and winning.
From a share-croppers daughter in Arkansas to a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Carolyn was a force of nature. Known for her sweet tea and don’t mess with me attitude she will be lovingly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm from the chapel of Horne Funeral Home conducted by Pastor Craig Reed of Harbor of Hope Pentecostal Church where she attended for many years. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Special thanks to the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice including Adrian and Miranda who took wonderful care of our nannie.
