Michele Northington

February 13, 1948 - January 05, 2025

Obituary For Michele Northington

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michele Northington, who departed this life peacefully at the age of 76 on January 5, 2025. Born on February 13, 1948, in Metropolis, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Casper Clarence Whitelock and Justine Louise Holmes Whitelock.

Michele was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with dedication to education, family, and community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Murray State University and went on to achieve her master's degree in Guidance & Counseling from Auburn University. For nearly 50 years, she devoted herself to the noble profession of teaching and school administration, serving at public, private, and parochial grade schools in Alabama, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Her patience, wisdom, and sense of humor made her a trusted resource for students, teachers, and parents alike. Whether in the classroom or as a school administrator, she brought compassion and understanding to her work, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives she touched.

Outside of her career, Michele loved spending time with her family, especially when gathered around the table for board games and card games. She was a great storyteller, particularly when it came to memories of her childhood and her brother. Her love for sports was infectious, whether she was participating, coaching, or watching.

Michele is survived by her brother, Gary Whitelock, her loving son, Joshua, his wife, Susan, and her two treasured grandchildren, Isaac and Gloria, who brought immense joy to her life. Her warmth, humor, and boundless patience will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

A funeral mass celebrating Michele's life will take place on March 1, 2025 at 1:00pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh at 11401 Leesville Road. The Rite of Committal and Interment will immediately follow the funeral mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Raleigh, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or Heifer International, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others.

Services

1 Mar

Mass

01:00 PM

St. Francis of Assisi Church 11401 Leesville Road Raleigh, NC 27613 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

March 07, 2025

anonimus

was my assistant principal once apon a time
January 18, 2025

Sally Reina

Such a wonderfully supportive educator at TFS. Deepest condolences
January 12, 2025

Natashia, Brian, Xavier and Xedera Townsend

My deepest condolences to you all. Michele was an amazing woman and teacher. She taught both my children in First Grade at Nativity BVM in Media PA and she brought that special touch with her. She was my son's Sponsor for his Confirmation in 6th Grade. He asked her and she told him she would be his sponsor in absentia because she would be on a trip to Rome. Little did he know that she was taking a rosary to be blessed for him and brought him a bottle of Holy Water, a Catholic Children's Bible and a chain with a cross pendant. She was flying back on the day of his confirmation and he would be already seated but to make sure we saved a spot for her behind him. She was so excited to surprise him. We got in the pews and as the children and sponsors stood in the pews she was there to lay her hand on him. He looked back and was so surprised and happy she had made it. It is a memory we cherish. She realized my daughter was advanced in reading and spoke to the 3rd grade teacher to give her 3rd grade instruction and reading and work. Together they worked hard to find reading material advanced for her level of reading while keeping in mind that she was still a first grader. She was adamant that even though she was in First grade she should not be stifled. By end of the first grade year, my daughter was doing 6th grade reading, writing and vocabulary. She also became a friend to a lot of us parents whose kids she had taught. She told us that she purposely stayed at Nativity until my daughter's first grade class because those were the last children whose older siblings she had taught. My family and I will be forever grateful for her kindness and friendship and for being such an amazing teacher to our first graders. We couldn't have gotten anyone better. She was an absolute blessing to us parents at Nativity and we have all missed her over the years. That's the impact she had on our families. May she rest now in eternal peace with angels. Thank you Mrs. Northington for all you did for our children. We will be forever grateful and remember you fondly.
January 12, 2025

The Pearson Family

Ms. Northington was a light of joy and support as a principal at the elementary school TFS in Raleigh. You will be missed!
January 10, 2025

Kate LaPorte

Michele will be forever missed. All my love and prayers for her family, "Katie-Girl"