Anna Sue Whitman

Anna Sue Whitman, better known as “Nan”, of Mertzon, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 29, 2018. She was 83 years old and was born in Stonewall County on September 1, 1934, to Marvin and Ruby Bilberry. She truly lived a life of service, both in her career as a registered nurse at Abilene State School and in her personal life. Nan is survived by her four children, Kay (Stan) of Mertzon, Mark Whitman of Aspermont, Pam (Joe) Hyde of Dallas, and Ray (Melanie) Whitman of Katy. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Matthew (Ariel) Holcomb, Holly (Drew) Rylander, Caitlin (John) Dressler, Trent Whitman, Meredith (Zach) Williams, Paige (Nathan) Daughety, and Ryan Whitman. Her beloved great-grandchildren include Colton, Bao, Rankin, Finn, Lincoln, and Hazel Grace. In addition to her family, she was loved and adored by her many friends. She was very active within her community of believers, and served selflessly in various roles at her home church, Southgate Church of Christ, as well as at Katy Church of Christ and 4th and Elm Street Church of Christ. Nan was a special, one-of-a-kind lady. She spent her entire life giving of herself to others with a joyful heart. Anyone who knew her knows that she was quite a character, and in the words of her granddaughter, Caitlin “she told it like it is!” Many of us may remember being slightly taken aback the first time we met her. But, that surprise was quickly replaced with appreciation, admiration, and love. It was impossible to know her and not love her, because she loved you first!!! Many people have remarked that she made them feel like they were a part of her family almost instantly. She truly loved. Not just in a warm feeling kind of way, but in a hands and feet kind of way. It would be impossible quantify the number of lives that Nan has ministered to and blessed, and how many will mourn her loss. She took us all out to eat, made beautiful quilts for all of our babies, and gave of what little wealth she had to support all of our causes. She always called, she always came, and she always cared, despite the growing demands required of her aging body. She loved like this because she deeply loved our Lord Jesus Christ. Through our tears, we must all remember to smile at the absolute certainty that our beloved mother, grandmother great-grandmother and friend is with her Savior, and no longer held by bonds of earthly frailty. She is free, and we just know that she is happier and more alive than she has ever been. Let her passing from this earth fill us with hope of our eternal home with our good Father, and encourage us to live like Nan did: with her whole mind, body and spirit bent toward Glory. It’s what she would want. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!” Revelation 14:13 The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, July 2, 2018 at Harper Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Southgate Church of Christ with Paul Shero officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mount of Olives Cemetery outside Aspermont, TX. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to San Angelo Christian Academy or the Rust Street Ministries.