Dr. Mary Claire Whitmore passed away Saturday, August 6, 2016, at her residence in Durham, North Carolina.

She was born June 1, 1924, in San Juan, Texas to Mary Lou and William H Gossage. She received her MD from the University of Texas and became an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. She and her late husband, Dr. Charles W. Whitmore of Salem, Virginia, moved to Lynchburg in 1953, where they began a dermatology practice which served the community for nearly half a century. Her career included many decades of service at the Central Virginia Training Center and a foray into the business world as the president of the Education and Research Foundation, a cosmetics testing company.

Her lifelong love for animals and nature shone brightly in her passion for gardening, bird watching, and training dogs. Whether reading a book at the beach or traveling the world, she was happiest spending her time in the company of family and friends.

She is survived by her four children and their families including seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society.