May 29, 2025, 83, Goldsboro —

Jovance Whaley, 83, of Goldsboro went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at his home.


Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Princeton.


Mr. Whaley was born in Wayne County November 11, 1941 to the late Zeb Vance and Olive Aycock Whaley. He worshipped at Manley Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church and New Beginnings Presbyterian Church. He was retired from General Electric, Caterpillar, and owner and proprietor of Whaley’s Transmission and Auto Service. 

He loved the Lord, cars and a good conversation. Tinkering with old cars was one of his favorite pastimes, especially his 51 Ford.


He is survived by his loving wife, Bessie Pearl Whaley; one son, Christopher Vance Whaley and wife, Nel of Fremont; one daughter, Sabrina Tart and husband, Billy of Mt. Olive; two sisters, Rebekah Williford of Pikeville and Karene Frantz and husband, John of Pikeville; four grandchildren, Kristian Whaley Smith and husband, Caleb, Kelsey Tart Valverde and husband, Jake, Cody Vance Whaley and wife, Emily and Justin Stewart Tart and fiancé, Megan Price; four great-grandchildren, Bella and Everest Valverde, Penny and Nora Smith; longtime friend, Willie B. Stone and his beloved dog, PJ.


The family is in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.