Laura Jane Taylor Whitten, 69, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Born September 16, 1952, in Queens, NY, she was the daughter of the late Allen Taylor and the late Alice Miliken Taylor. Laura finished High School in Queens, NY, and was retired after many years in retail sales with Dollar General. She married Bro. Michael Whitten, Sr. on June 5, 1976, and they have spent 45 wonderful years together. Known by many as “mama/nana”, she was one of the sweetest ladies around, and the biggest hugger you could ever meet. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She loved to sing and dance, but could also be found sewing or going fishing. She was also a member of the Vardaman Volunteer Fire Department for over 7 years because of the love she had for her community and her desire to help in any way she could. Laura’s faith and her family guided her life. Alongside her husband, Bro. Mike Whitten, she was dedicated to the Lord, and served Him faithfully at the Way of the Cross Church of the Nazarene. Laura leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched the lives of many. Her memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of her family and friends. Pryor Funeral Home is honored to serve the Whitten family. A Funeral Service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 1:00pm at Pryor Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation on Friday from 11:00am until service time at the funeral home. Bro. Jim Vance will be officiating, with Bro. John Meeks delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens in Calhoun City. Serving as Pallbearers will be Stacy Free, Clifton Cardwell, Pavay Dauzat, Terry Dauzat, J.J. Pendergraph, and Landon Logan. Honorary Pallbearers will be all other members of the Vardaman Volunteer Fire Department. She leaves behind her husband of 45 years, Bro. Michael Whitten, Sr; daughters, Tammy Whitten of Pontotoc, and Tristyn of Calhoun City; sons, Michael Whitten, Jr. and his wife Darla of Vardaman, and Troy Whitten and his wife Melissa of Calhoun City; sister, Betty Harris of Ashland, TN; sister-in-law, Kim Whitten of Joppa, MD; grandchildren, Jai, Alex, Deanna, Dustin, Jordan, Dakota, Hanna, and Jaden. She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her biological father, John Flanigan; brother, Howard Taylor; sister, Patricia Mann; and mother-in-law and best friend, Peggy Whitten. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Way of the Cross Church of the Nazarene. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com.