Evangelist Ruthel Whitehead, 86, of Kenansville, N.C. died at Carolina East/Quinn Hospice Center, Kenansville, Saturday, February 09, 2013. Funeral services will be 2:00pm Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Prayer of Faith Evangelistic Church, Warsaw, N.C. Visitation will be at Hawes Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw, N.C. from 4:00p.m.- 6:00p.m. Friday, February 15, 2013. Interment will be the Middleton Cemetery, Kenansville, N.C.

She was born on May 18, 1926 in Duplin County to the late Charlie Carroll and Mary H. Carroll.

She attended Duplin County Schools. She also joined Saint Mary Holiness Church at an early age and was active in the church until her health declined. As a member of Saint Mary Holiness Church, she was a pianist, Sunday School teacher, and Mother of the Church.

She worked as a nursing assistant for many years, inspiring many people she met.

Evangelist Ruthel Whitehead leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Myra Brinson(Glenn) of Rose Hill, N.C. ; two sons, Michael Whitehead(Pam) of Jacksonville, N.C. and Reverend Jeffrey Whitehead(Vernoria) of Kenansville, N.C. Nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.