SHELBY- Major Kathleen Ann (Gorbutt) Whittaker. November 26, 1956 – September 3, 2026.

Kathleen Ann (Gorbutt) Whittaker, a devoted Christian, Salvation Army officer, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, entered her eternal home on September 3, 2026, at the age of 69.

Kathy was born on November 26, 1956, in New Castle, Delaware, to Frank Dale Gorbutt and Martha Ann (Hall) Gorbutt. Her journey of faith began as a teenager when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was converted at The Salvation Army Prince Georges Corps in Maryland.

Kathy’s love for the Lord and desire to serve others eventually led her to answer God’s call to officership. On June 3, 1984, she was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer as a member of the Servants of God Session.

Her appointments included Shelby, North Carolina; Wilson, North Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; Daytona Beach, Florida; Florida Divisional Headquarters, where she served as Assistant to the Director of Women’s Organizations; Galveston, Texas; Port Arthur, Texas; Beaufort, South Carolina; and Washington, North Carolina.

On March 17, 2000, Kathy married Major Dan Whittaker (R), beginning a partnership in life and ministry that was a cherished part of her journey. Together, they shared a deep love for the Lord, The Salvation Army, and the people they were called to serve. They retired from active Salvation Army service on July 1, 2010.

Kathleen was a woman whose life was defined not only by where she served, but by how she served. She loved people, treasured her family, and found joy in the relationships God placed in her life. Her influence extended far beyond the appointments she held, leaving a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Major Dan Whittaker (R); her sister, Lorraine (Steve) Bennett; and her children, Lynda (Christopher) Thornhill, Kenneth Scott (Alisha) Fagan, Michelle Potter, Amy (Randy) McClendon, and Gary Daniel Whittaker II. Kathy was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Gorbutt.

She was a loving grandmother to Christopher Chase (Emily), Caleb, Ella Thornhill, Kendan, and Kennedy Fagan. Her family was a source of great joy and pride throughout her life, and the love she poured into them will continue through generations to come.

She also held a special place in her heart for her beloved fur baby, Bijou, who brought her companionship, comfort, and many moments of joy.

Her earthly assignment is now complete. The uniform has been laid down, the journey is finished, and she has been welcomed into the presence of the Savior she loved and served.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”— Matthew 25:21

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com