Rebecca Ann Mclelland Whisnant
Rebecca Ann McLelland Whisnant, 74, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 20, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” and Barbara Scholz McLelland.
Becky was a graduate of Patrick Henry High School and Radford University. She had a passion for teaching and spent 45 years as a dedicated teacher at Fairview Elementary School, where legend has it, she never took a sick day. Becky was an active member and volunteer at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, she loved spending time with her family and looked forward to summer breaks so she, the children and grandchildren could begin their different adventures, whether that was going to her children and grandchildren’s sporting events, going to concerts to watch her son Steele’s band playing around Roanoke. Every April she could be found on the 14th green at the Masters, but the highlight of her year was the annual family trip to Holden Beach.
Her house was the homebase for all family functions as well as hosting many pregame and postgame meals for the Northside Viking Football Team, as she spent many years volunteering for the Northside High School Booster Club and Athletics.
Becky will be missed and remembered by her children, Shane Whisnant (Amanda), Paige Whisnant (Tommy Dickenson), Travis Whisnant (Paige Whisnant), Steele Whisnant (Jill Whisnant), Ashlee Spangler (Matt Spangler); grandchildren, Scarlet, Vann, Jaeda, Berkeley, Adelyn, Emerson, Iza, Haeden, Ethan, Olivia, Quinn, Bryson, Natalee, Briar, and Tripp; great-grandchildren, Emilee and Laela; sisters, Ginny McLelland, Susan Ware (Stephan), and Robin Nichols (Dan); as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church with Pastor James L. Armentrout officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made in memory of Becky to Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1008 Franklin Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24016.
Her children would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the family, friends and neighbors for their support and outreach over the past month.
Becky’s spirit will continue to live on with her family and friends.
We all take comfort in the words of her favorite song: “Don’t worry about a thing: “Cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.simpsonfuneral.com
