Hilary Clemence Whipple

Hilary Clemence Whipple, 81, passed away peacefully at her residence in Angier, NC on Nov 4, 2023. Hilary was preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Barabara Ayling, and her brother, Jeffrey Ayling.

Hilary was born in Ipswich, England on April 3, 1942. She attended Rushmere St. Andrew School and then continued her education at Ipswich Technical College in the secretarial field. She worked at National Benzoil (later BP) for eight years as a secretary.

In January 1963 she met her husband, Rodney Dale Whipple. They were married on Sept 12, 1964. Throughout their marriage, Ron & Hilary enjoyed many adventures together including skiing, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, and traveling. They also moved 15 times due to Ron’s time in the military and the moves required for work before settling for the last 42 years in Angier, NC. Their marriage was a living embodiment of true love. They shared 60 years of happiness together as each other’s best friend, still loving & taking care of each other right up until the moment Hilary passed away. The deep, selfless love and commitment they had for one another was truly a beautiful sight to witness.

Throughout her life, Hilary’s greatest passion was her family. She showed so many acts of love to her family. One such act was getting up with Ron each time he got called out for work in the middle of the night to make a thermos of coffee for him to take on the road. Hilary had the uncanny ability to sense what her family needed almost before they knew it themselves. She was always there to offer endless, unconditional love and support, and to help in any way she could. She gave freely of her time, and that gift was most precious and treasured by everyone who knew her.

Second only to her love of family was gardening. Hilary spent countless hours in her garden tending to her many flowers. Inheriting her green thumb from her parents, she was able to create a garden full of beauty, peace, and tranquility. She loved having her grandchildren come over and letting them enjoy and explore the many beautiful areas she had created.

Hilary is survived by her husband, Rodney (Ron) Whipple, son Shawn Whipple and wife Brenda Whipple, daughter Liesel Martin and husband John Martin; grandchildren Samantha Whipple, Ryan Martin and wife Catrina Martin, Ashley Martin, Sarah Martin, Lily Martin; great-grandchild Justin Martin; niece Sharon Bosely; great niece Laura Ayling.

A floating visitation memorial will be held Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 E. McIver St. Angier, NC 27501.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at https://www.alz.org/?form=alz_donate