Dura Riner Whitehead, 81, of Peachtree City, died Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her residence.

Born June 15, 1944, in Decatur, she was a daughter of the late James Archiball Nicholson and the late Lillie Idella Sargent Nicholson. Dura's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with devotion to her faith and her family. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, as well as a cherished aunt and friend. Her love for Jesus was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her actions and filling her heart with boundless compassion. Her love for her family was unparalleled. Dura took immense joy in every family gathering, every shared meal, and every moment spent with her loved ones. Her home was a haven of warmth, where the aroma of her cooking filled the air and laughter was never in short supply. Dura's friendly nature extended beyond her family. She had the remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone she met, spreading cheer and goodwill wherever she went. An avid driver, Dura found pleasure in exploring the open road, often taking scenic drives just for the joy of it. She was known for her playful habit of honking the horn whenever she spotted friends or passed by their homes, earning her the affectionate title of "world champion horn blower." In addition to her parents, Dura was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Wayne Riner, Sr., her sons, Billy Wayne Riner, Jr., and James Daniel Riner, and her sister and brother-in-law, Jimpsie and Charles Morris.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth E. Whitehead; daughters, June Laree Riner (Jane Watts), and Darla Riner Carter (Buddy Carter); grandchildren, Kathy, Siri, Kurstie, Natt, Ezra, Daniel, and Joshua; niece, Carol Laird; nephew, Charlie Morris; stepchildren, Tara, Joel, William, Scott, and Karla; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Roger Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, one hour prior to the service.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Dura Riner Whitehead, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.