Iva Merle Whittington, 88 of Laurel, MS passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel, Mississippi. She was born Tuesday, February 5, 1935, in Laurel, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel on 4593 Indian Springs Road. The funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will take place in Sharon Cemetery. Bro. P.J. Weeks will officiate. Special music will be performed by Drew Whittington, Joshua Thrash, Chris Whittington, and Jodie Whittington. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, James R. Whittington;                    parents, G. W. and Rhoda Welborn Rivers; sisters, Betty Shoemaker, and Sybil Hoover.

Survivors include her children, Jim Whittington Jr. (Janice), Becky Thrash (Steve) and Drew L. Whittington; grandchildren, Joshua Thrash (Tanya), Adam D. Thrash (Michelle), Chris Whittington (LeAnn), Leigh Whittington (Susan), Dr. Andrew Whittington, Jonathan Whittington, Elizabeth Whittington; 13 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Debbie Pool.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Thrash, Adam Thrash, Chris Whittington, Leigh Whittington, Dr. Andrew Whittington, and Jonathan Whittington.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. B.R. Patel and all of Mrs. Iva's great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Comfort Care Nursing Home for the excellent care given to Mrs. Iva during her stay, especially Bridgette, Traci, and the nursing staff of the East Wing.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com