Iris J. Whetzel

Iris Jacquelin “Jackie” Whetzel died peacefully at her home in Manteo, NC on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Jackie, born in Charleston, WV, was the daughter of the late Henry and Violet Jones.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ralph Whetzel, Sr.; her sons, Ralph Whetzel, Jr. and Larry Bowles; her daughter, Mona Peters; and her great-grandson, Joshua Davis.

Jackie is survived by her daughters, Gail Whetzel, Beverly Jeffries and her husband, Gordon, and Wanda Lynch and her husband, Robert. Jackie is also survived by her beloved son and constant companion, Richard Alvin Bowles. Her surviving siblings include Luther Jones and his wife, Debbi, David Jones and his wife, Shirley, and Virgil Jones and his wife, Terry. Her nine grandchildren include Tammy, Tommy, Melissa, Miranda, Brian, Lisa, Jared, Nick and Chris. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Friends and family agree that Jackie had all the qualities that would have made her a great nurse. Several times while still raising a young family, Jackie was called upon to help with the care of seriously ill family members. The loving care and compassion shown to her mother, her sister Louetta, and finally, her husband Ralph, demonstrated this wonderful trait of caregiver. This same trait extended to each member of her large family whom she loved with all of her heart.

Jackie also had a lighter side as she loved to dance to fifties rock and roll, loved gardening, cooking, and had a great passion for baking.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Peak Resources, Jackie’s “home” for nearly three years in Nags Head, NC.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton. The graveside service and interment will follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.