Obituaries

Iris White Guthrie passed away suddenly on January 19, 2026, at home at the age of 98. Present at her homegoing were her daughter and son-in-law, Debra and David Foster. She was the loving wife of the late Herbert William Guthrie for 63 years. Mrs. Guthrie was born in Charlotte County on Nov. 3, 1927, a daughter of the late William Thomas White, Jr. and the late Minnie Conner White. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, William Garland White, Hilton Tune White and Wilmer Bennett White; sisters, Lois Connell White and Thelma White Mason; brother-in-law, Bernard M. Mason; sister-in-law, Thelma Stephens White; nephew Steven E. Mason; niece, Bonnie White Brock; and a great nephew, Carter Thomas White. Surviving Mrs. Guthrie are: her loving and caring daughter and son-in-law, Debra Guthrie Foster and David G. Foster of Gladys; brother, Reginald Earl White and wife Joann of Phenix; and sister-in-law, Rebecca “Beckie” Crump White of Chase City. She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Carole Jane Mason Jones (Carroll) of Weyers Cave, Connie Mason Joyce (Keith) of Hilton Head, S.C., Regina White Thompson (Lee) of Richmond, William Thomas White III (Regina) of Phenix, Michael Scott White of Chase City. In addition, she is survived by a special niece who helped care for her and visited often, Mary Lynn Guthrie Hawkins (Danny), also, Jimmy Adams, Jane Adams Crews, Yvonne Guthrie Hughes, Glenn Guthrie, Bonnie Carey Monroe, Dale Carey Wood and numerous great nieces and nephews. Iris grew up on the family farm, attended grade school at Aspen, and graduated from Randolph-Henry High School in the class of 1945. After graduation, she had to decide what she would do for the future. She chose farming as her choice of work and remained on the farm so she could help contribute to the livelihood of the family. Four years later, of what she thought was long enough of tobacco, etc., on Dec. 2, 1948, she left the home to marry the “love of her life”, Herbert W. Guthrie of Brookneal. Mrs. Guthrie, a former member of Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, moved her membership to Brookneal Baptist Church in 1956 to join her family. She loved her church and soon found herself as WMU president, Sunday school teacher, member of the Bethany Sunday School and a former member of the sanctuary choir. She loved to sing, dance, and was well known for her cooking ability. She especially enjoyed preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. Iris really loved poetry too, and would oftentimes recite her poems at family gatherings, church and civic organizations. One of her special poems was “Somebody’s Mother”. She was a happy and thoughtful person, always spreading fun and joy to those around her. Iris was always concerned for her town and wanted only the best for Brookneal. She and Herbert were business owners in Brookneal for over sixty years, operating Guthrie’s Corner Grocery and Herbert W. Guthrie Real Estate. The family would like to express their love and sincere appreciation to her caregivers, Betty Booker, Bridgett Hudson, Cindy Penwell and Sherri Maddox. Funeral services for Mrs. Guthrie will be conducted on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Brookneal Baptist Church with the Rev. Andrew Reisberg officiating. Interment will follow in Wickliffe Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Brookneal Baptist Church, The Brookneal Fire Dept., Campbell County Rescue Squad or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net. Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal is assisting the family.