LANCASTER, SC :::::::::::Mrs. Brenda "Gale" Melton Whitaker, age 63, passed away at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC on Sunday, October 13, 2013. She was born in Lancaster County, SC, the daughter of Ruth Miller Melton and Eugene Minor Melton. She was married to Tony Morris Whitaker, her devoted husband of 37 years.

Gale attended Lancaster County Schools and worked for many years in her father's business. She was active in church for as long as she was able and loved to sing and enjoyed the congregational singing. Anyone sick in her church or community could count on her to visit. She looked forward to mission trips and enjoyed them immensely. She was the middle child of seven daughters. Having a keen sense of humor, she kept her sisters on their toes her entire life. In earlier years she enjoyed RV camping with her husband and was especially fond of times spent at the beach and mountains.

Gale is survived by her husband of the home; her mother; and her six sisters and their husbands; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Snipes (Linda) of Charlotte, NC, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathis (Janice) of Lancaster, Dr. and Mrs. LG Walker, Jr. (Dianne) of Charlotte, NC, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Plyler (Sandra) of Lancaster, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Hunter (Christine) of Lancaster, and Mr. and Mrs. Chris Funderburk (Renee) of Lancaster. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Myrtle Joyner Whitaker and her brother-in-law and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Heyward Whitaker (Alice) and many nieces and nephews.

Gale was preceded in death by her father; two sisters, Judy Elaine Melton and Baby Girl Melton; her father-in-law, Heyward W. Whitaker; and a sister-in-law, Martha Whitaker Funderburk.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Whitaker will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Bethlehem Baptist Church by Rev. Patrick Clark and Rev. Jason Myers. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The Family of Mrs. Whitaker will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Burgess Funeral Home and the family suggests memorials be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, Missions Outreach Ministries, 1841 N. Rocky River Road, Lancaster, SC 29720.

The family wishes to thank Elmcroft of Florence, SC, Heartland Village and Heather Collins, Gale's caregiver of four years.

The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Mrs. Whitaker will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Bethlehem Baptist Church by Rev. Patrick Clark and Rev. Jason Myers. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The Family of Mrs. Whitaker will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Burgess Funeral Home.