Linwood Whitley

Linwood Whitley, 81, of Fayetteville, NC, entered his rest Friday, December 12, 2025.  Memorial service, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, Unity Chapel at Cliffdale,

Linwood was born on July 23, 1944, in Washington, North Carolina, to the late Allen and Rosa Mae Whitley.  He grew up in Washington, North Carolina.  At an early age, he attended Davenport Temple Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Leo Davenport.

After his military service, he relocated to Stamford, Connecticut, where he ultimately married the love of his life, Helen Brendashae Yarboro.  They were married November 25, 1967.

Linwood was employed at Pitney Bowes in Stamford until his retirement.  He was a long-time member of Wilson Memorial COGIC, under the leadership of Bishop C. H. Brewer, Sr.; and Bishop C. H. Brewer, Jr., who ordained him as a deacon, and then under the leadership of Bishop C. H. Brewer, III.  Later, he relocated with this wife back to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he continued his ministry of song at many other churches and services.

Linwood was an anointed singer in church from his youth, and as a member of Wilson Memorial COGIC.  He would sing as a soloist and in the choir.  In addition, he and long-time friend, Levaughn Crosby were founding members of the gospel group, The Crescendos. that had different members over the years.  During which time the group blessed many with original and classic gospel songs.  One of his favorite songs was, "Christ the Solid Rock."  This song blessed many that heard him sing it, and the reason was that Linwood was not singing to the people, but he was singing unto God and praising Him with the same anointed gift God had given him all those years ago.  And despite not singing with the group over a number of years, before God called him home, God allowed Linwood to reunite with The Crescendos, to give one last concert , which blessed many.  His special anointing to praise God in song will be missed on this side of life, but all those that have Jesus as their Savior will see and hear Linwood again. Amen.

Linwood was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Whitley, Sr. and Rosa Mae Whitley; son, Jarrett DeMarc Whitley; brothers, Nehemiah, Samuel and nephew/brother, Ronald; sisters, Esther Weston, Mary Chatman, Rose Heckstall, Betty Smith, and Margaret Smith; as well as his brother-in-law, Dr. C. Henry Yarboro, III.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Brendashae Yarboro Whitley; son, Christopher L. Whitley, Stamford CT; daughter-in-law, Cathy Whitley, Arvada, CO; brothers: Allen Whitely (Rosa), Washington, NC; Rayvon Whitley (Jimmie), Bronx, NY; Paul Whitley (Joycetine), Troy, NC; Donald Whitley (Francine), Wilson, NC; sister-in-law, Martha Coates (Norman), Woodbrige, VA; brother-in-law, Dr. Timothy E. Yarboro (Elizabeth), Reston, VA; and goddaughters: Lazette Guilford, Dominque Durrette, Regina Redmond and Staci Noble, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Professional services entrusted to Unity Funeral Services.

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