Essie Galloway Whitmire, 95, was gently lifted on Angel's wings into Heaven's arms on Wednesday evening, December 9. A native and lifelong resident of Transylvania County, she was born October 22, 1920. She retired from the Ecusta Corporation in 1983 after 39 years of service. She lived her faith, loved her church, and cherished her family and friends. In the face of declining health in the last few years, she bravely fought to maintain her independence, managing to live alone up until two months before her passing. Her family is immensely proud of her fierce determination. She loved gardening, cooking, spending time with family, and reading the Bible. Her examples of clean living, faith, hard work, love, kindness, and generosity shine brightly and she will live forever in our hearts.

Upon her passing and consistent with her faith, Essie has looked upon the Face of The Almighty God and heard her Savior say "Father, she is one of Mine." She is now enjoying all of the treasures of Heaven that she so richly deserves.

Essie will be joined in God's company by many precious loved ones that preceded her: daughter, Shirley Whitmire Arnette; grandson, Christopher Scott Whitmire; parents, Ola and Freeman Galloway; sisters, Estelle Brotherton, Effie Fisher, and Gertrude McCall; brothers, Freeman, Howard, Garfield, and Clifton Galloway.

Survivors include a son, Ronald Lee Whitmire of Balsam Grove, NC; a sister, Frances Jean McElrath of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Shawn Arnette of Lawrenceville, GA, Hollis Arnette of Brevard, Susan Arnette of Florida, and Tracey Whitmire Jenkins (Kevin) of Charlotte, NC; great-grandchildren, Cole, Brinsley, Brady, Andrew, Brianna, and Nani; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 14, 2015 from 1 – 2 pm at Morningside Baptist Church in Brevard. Funeral services will follow at 2 pm. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Gardens of Memory.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.