Sally Ann Dunnington Whidden

Sally Ann Dunnington Whidden died at The Woodland in Farmville, Va., on March 13, 2011. She was 82.
Sally Ann was born in Farmville, Virginia on October 31, 1928 to James William Dunnington and Kathryn Chamberlin Dunnington. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, William Kirby Whidden, Jr., and her three sisters; Kathryn Dunnington Sydnor , Dolly Dunnington Orgain and India Dunnington Sprye.
As a young girl, she graduated from Fairfax Hall Preparatory School. She later attended Harcum Junior College, Webber College and Longwood College, where she was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.
Sally Ann will be remembered for her exceedingly gentle nature, as well as for her unconditional love of family and friends. She was an accomplished gardener, a master chef and a model of southern hospitality. An ever-gracious hostess, she always welcomed guests into her home and delighted in spoiling them with meals she had lovingly prepared. Although known for her elegance and generosity, her highly sought-after recipe for her Green Tomato Casserole remains a well-guarded secret to this day.
Sally Ann and her husband, Bill, enjoyed entertaining and especially cherished the experiences they shared with friends on Farmville Lake. The frequent sounds of merriment that echoed across the lake and surrounding countryside served as testimony to the joyous and spirited times shared by all.
She is survived by her daughters Dolly Horner and her husband Eddie of Lynchburg, Va. as well as Kirby Whidden McElroy and her husband Risden of Charlotte, N.C; her grandchildren Sally Horner Elliott and her Husband Matt of Lynchburg, Va., along with their daughter Maren Dunnington Elliott, Edwin Bryan Horner IV of Richmond Va., William Whidden Horner and his fianc Jessica Ann Klein of Richmond Va., India Dunnington McElroy of Savannah, Ga. and Risden Little McElroy, Jr. of Chapel Hill, N.C.; her niece Kathryn Sprye Goebel; nephews William Dunnington Sydnor, William Jennings Sydnor, Francis Leigh Orgain and Walter Clement Sprye.
Sally Ann was a cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to whom she was affectionately known as Ga Ga." She is a precious soul who will be missed by many.
Her family members would like to express their profound gratitude to her devoted caregivers: Cora, Donna, Lorie, Gerri and the wonderful staff at the Moore Center.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 16 at Westview Cemetery with the Reverend William E. Thompson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prince Edward County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 87, Farmville, Va. 23901.