Mt. Vernon—Louise Whitaker, 86, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018, at her home in the Mt. Vernon Community.  She was born October 6, 1931 in Prentiss County, the daughter of Odie and Maude Williams Garner.  She worked for over 30 years with AT&T (formerly South Central Bell), as a telephone operator.  Louise was a member of the Mt. Vernon Christian Church and the Telephone Pioneers Club.  She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed taking care of pets, feeding the birds and humming birds.

Services will be 11 AM Monday at the Lee Memorial Chapel with Rev. Tim Green officiating.   Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.  Visitation will be 5-8 PM Sunday.  Lee Memorial is entrusted with the arrangements.

Louise is survived by her husband of 58 years, Gwyn Whitaker of Mt. Vernon; her children, Sherry Hill (Richard) of Saltillo and Perry Whitaker (Patsy) of Tupelo; 3 grandchildren, Courtney, Ashley, and Harrison; and 1 great-granddaughter, Harper.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Harold "Red" Garner.