Nannette “Nan” Whitney Gorton

Nan Whitney Gorton was born on January 20, 1950, in Monroe, Louisiana to the union of Edwin Olan Whitney, Jr. and Mary Frances Hondlenk Whitney in Monroe, Louisiana. She peacefully left his world in her sleep on Friday, October 4th, 2024. 

Nan was an avid reader and genealogist. She was the founder of the Northeast Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society. She was a past member of The Ft. Miro United Daughters of the Revolution, The Chief Tusquahoma Daughters of the American Revolution, Belton Belle Daughters of the Confederacy, Ouachita Blues Daughters of the Confederacy, The Scottish Society of Northeast Louisiana.

She was a substitute teacher in the Ouachita Parish School System for many years. She was a member of the Yeager Methodist Protestant Church. Nan had a great love for animals. She rescued many cats and dogs and gave them a wonderful home. 

Though she was legally blind and had the use of one eye, she had a great vision for history and preservation. She spent countless hours in the genealogy room at the Ouachita Parish Library connecting families with their ancestors and heritage. She loved exploring her roots and had a fondness for the Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival each year. 

Nan is preceded in death by her husband, Capt. Glen “Skosh” Gorton USMC; parents, Edwin Olan Whitney and Mary Frances Hondlenk Whitney; sister, Janet Whitney Downing; brother-in-law, Ron Downing.

Left to treasure her memory are her son, Seth Gorton (Crissy); daughter Megan Richmond (BJ); nephew, Clinton Whitney Downing; niece, Sarah Downing Watley (Ricky); grandchildren, Tytus Gorton (Salem) Gaven Richmond, and Kieron Richmond; great nephews, Paul Downing (Christina), Garrett Watley; and great-great nephews, Jaxon Downing and Liam Downing and distant cousins. 

A memorial service and celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in the courtyard at her nephew Clinton’s shop, Revival Design at 300 Walnut Street in Historic Downtown Monroe from 5pm- 7pm for family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Yeager Methodist Protestant Church, the Genealogy Department of the Ouachita Parish Public Library or an animal rescue shelter of your choice.