Monday, January 26, 2026 4:08 pm

Patsy Gold Brooks Whitaker, 94, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Atrium Health Cleveland Hospital. She was born in Cleveland County, NC on July 26, 1931 the daughter of the late Luther Yates Brooks and Thelma Cabaniss Brooks. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 73 years, John Whitaker; her daughter Janet Whitaker Austell; and granddaughter Melanie Austell, sister Betty Harris, Golda Glover and brother Milton Brooks.

Patsy is survived by her two sons, Phil Whitaker (Lynn) of Shelby and Kenneth Whitaker (Linda) of Shelby; and son-in-law Nick Austell. Also left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren Melissa Austell Bradshaw, Rebekah Whitaker, Jessica Whitaker Francis, Terry Whitaker, and Kelly Whitaker, along with 10 great-grandchildren.

Patsy worked for over 40 years as an LPN and dearly loved her time at Shelby Children's Clinic. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a lifelong member of Sandy Plains Baptist Church. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and deep love for her family.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Shelby, with Pastors Elisabeth Cochran and David Webb officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Sandy Plains Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to Sandy Plains Baptist Church: 2112 New House Rd., Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the family.