Obituary of Calvin Lincoln Whirley

Deacon Calvin Lincoln Whirley, 82, transitioned to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 9, 2019. On the day he passed away, he was praising God, had spoken to his wife, and had spent time with family. He was born on October 14, 1936 in Forest, VA. He was predeceased by his parents, his son, Calvin L. Whirley Jr. (VA), his sisters Margaret Whirley Thomas (VA) and Crystalbell Whirley, his first wife Ann Jackson Whirley Carrington (VA), and his stepson Brenton Sheppard (Elmira, NY). He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Janice (William) Monroe of Forest, VA, his brother Kenneth (Diane) Whirley of Lynchburg, VA, sisters Sinnie Lou Ferguson of Lynchburg, VA, Min. Pearl (Rev. Dr. Harry) Braxton of Madison Heights, VA, Ross (Clyde) Meadows of Reidsville, NC, grandsons Chris and Clay Carter and Clarence Hodges III of VA, great granddaughter Sa-Leah Hodges of VA, his sister in law Robbin (Lee) Tindall of Elmira, NY, nieces Tanya (Gwynn Oak, MD), Alexis, Kyliah, and KeAnah (Elmira, NY), nieces and nephews, many friends including good friends Herbert Ellison and Lionel Cheatham and his church family. He was educated in the public school system in Forest, VA and then eventually settled in Elmira, NY. Calvin worked until retirement age. For many years, he was a maintenance worker at various places including the Ithaca Country Club and Mark Twain golf course. He worked for James E. Strates Show where the love of his life. Deacon Calvin was united in holy matrimony to Marilyn on October 5, 1985. One reason he fell in love with Sister Marilyn was because of her love for the Lord. He was a provider, supporter, and father to Brenton. Often, he would stand in the gap for Marilyn. When she would ask him to pray for her, he never hesitated. He encouraged her, spoke about God and the Word, and prayed with and for her. In addition to raising Brenton, the two would get away when they could, especially to a beach. Sometimes, they'd enjoy just getting in the car to take a drive around the city and nearby towns. Deacon Calvin accepted the Lord and joined Faith Temple COGIC. He was a loyal and faithful member of the church. He sang in the choir and was eager to attend Sunday School and Bible study so he could learn more about God. Deacon Calvin loved God and the Word. Whenever he could, he'd tell stories from the Bible and talk about all his blessings. If you mentioned just one scripture to Deacon Calvin, be prepared to have the time to listen to many more. Deacon Calvin wanted people to have a personal relationship with God. He was known to encourage people to trust in God, no matter the circumstances. Deacon Calvin loved to sing and play the guitar. And, people enjoyed the sound! While in Virginia, he was a member of the Golden Trumpeteers and God's Creation professional singing groups. When he wasn't playing the guitar, singing, spending time with his wife, or brother in law Lee, you could find him watching a Western or sports on TV, or talking to friends. He also loved to watch religious programs. Calvin loved his family. He traveled to Virginia when he could to spend time with family. For those who knew Calvin, you knew he loved his nieces. When they'd visit, he'd call them right in to sit and talk to him. Calvin made sure he did all he could to support each of them. When people didn't understand why things happened, Deacon Calvin would often be heard saying, "Trust God." That's just what Deacon Calvin did. Though his transition to Heaven is heartbreaking, we can be reminded of his words. He will be truly missed by all who loved him and he will live on in our memories. A Memorial Service will be held for Calvin and Marilyn Whirley on Monday, March 18, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at Faith Temple Community Church, 722 Standish Street, Elmira. All are invited.