Esther Thompson Whitman

FUNERAL HOME

Oakey’s South Chapel

4257 Brambleton Ave.

Roanoke, Virginia

Esther Whitman Obituary

Esther Thompson (Tommie) Whitman, 95, of Roanoke, Va., died on March 1, 2010. She departed this life as she lived it, with spunk and humor, lifting the spirits of those who knew her. Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, she was a tough North Dakotan proud of her Norwegian heritage. A devout lifetime Lutheran, she cherished her friends from St. Marks and Christ Lutheran. Tommie was active in both churches as well as The Lutheran Synod of Virginia. Active in community organizations, Tommie devoted countless hours to causes such as the United Way. She was selected for Mother of the Year for Community Affairs in 1964. She was a long time member of The Magic City Garden Club. A loving wife, mother of six children and nine grandchildren, she could be a fearsome witch at Halloween, a face painting clown and a neighborhood caroler at Christmas. Tommie was an avid athlete, a swimmer, ice skater, bowler and tennis player into her 80's. Tommie was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Dr. William Rush Whitman, whom she met during World War II while both were stationed in Bethesda Naval Hospital. Tommie is survived by her six children and their spouses, Susan Bicksler, of Atlanta, Ga., Esther and John Johnson, of Roanoke, Jane Whitman and Frank Bolger, of Arlington, Va., Billy and Mary Jane Whitman, of Goodview, Va., Nancy and Mike Dickson, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Clay and Mike Morrissett, of Roanoke; and her nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a very special friend and her other daughter, Brenda Gunn and husband, Clifton, who did so much to brighten the last years of her life. The family would like to thank The Court at Roanoke and The Palliative Care at Roanoke Memorial, who took such wonderful care of Tommie. Services will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Christ Lutheran Church. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christ Lutheran Church, 2011 Brandon Ave., Roanoke, Va. 24015. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Mar. 2 to Apr. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Esther Whitman

11 Entries

angela cofer-hardy

March 17, 2010

To the Whitman Family. You all have just lost a precious angel, who will be watching over you all including my sister Brenda. Tommie will be greatly missed by us all, she was a wonderful lady. The memories of her will always remain in my heart. I didnt know her like Brenda but it seems as I did. Brenda really adored her. God Bless you all continuously, and know that your angel is watching over you all daily. Much Love, Angela Cofer-Hardy (Brenda's sister)

March 16, 2010

To The Family

I am honored and I count it a tremendous blessing to have met Tommie and then share life with Tommie. I could say that I loved Tommie but that would not be the truth because I still love Tommie very much. Tommie and I would sing many songs together and our favorite being " You Are My Sunshine " We would look each other directly in the eyes and sing that song , and when we got to the following verse:[please dont take my sunshine away], we both would smile real big as if to say " I promise ". When Billy called and told me that Tommie had passed , I thought of that song and our promise to one another and I felt like the promise had been broken . But since that phone call and throughout the passed several weeks I have joyfully concluded that even in the midst of hurt and sorrow and as days, weeks, and years to come, not anyone or anything can take my sunshine away because just as sure as she is shining in heaven she is shining also in me. When the song would end I would loudly and proudly recite,[you're my sunshine Tommie Whitman] and she would always respond "really"? And I would then of course say......"yes mam". I just wanted to share one of my many treasured moments with Tommie. I thank God for each of you and know that you and your families are constantly in the prayers of Clifton and myself.

Love,Brenda

March 15, 2010

To the Whitman Family;

I would like to extend my deepest sorrow for the loss of your Mother Mrs. Whitman. I met her once through my sister Brenda and it was truly a pleasure. Over the past years Brenda has often talked of Mrs. Whitman exemplary life as a Mother, athlete, and world traveler. My sister had great admiration for your Mother. I wished I had gotten to know her better. I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Linda Stinson (Brenda,s Sister)

Susan Stephenson

March 15, 2010

I am deeply sorry to the family of Mrs. Whitman to have learned of the loss of your loved one. I did not know Mrs. Whitman personally, but my Granny knew Dr. and Mrs. Whitman well. She always spoke of both with great love and admiration. Dr. Whitman was my Granny's surgeon for years.

Mrs. Johnson was my favorite English teacher in HS!

I am thinking of you and your family.

Linda Akers

March 12, 2010

To the Whitman Family,
I was honored to know Tommie through my years as secretary at Christ Lutheran. She was the most wonderful, positive, cheerful person, and a treasure and inspiration to all who knew her. May she always live on in our hearts.

March 12, 2010

To all of the Whitmans, I remember your Mom kindly. She was a wonderful Mom -always busy taking care of all of you. I know you will miss her very much. Thinking of you all. Jo-Ann Citron Weissman

March 10, 2010

To all of the Whitmans, our thoughts and prayers.

It has been many years, but I remember Mrs. Whitman as one of the nicest people ever. She was always so "upbeat".

To Esther and Susan, even after all these years, I treasure memories of your dear Mother. She was truly a blessing to this world.

Jean Garst Saunders

Judy Havner

March 8, 2010

To the Whitman family,I met your lovely mother Mrs. Tommie through a dear beloved friend of mine Brenda Gunn. We met and sang the song "the church in the Wildwood" together. I only knew segments of it but Mrs. Tommie refreshed my memory. I also help to sing christmas carols at The Court this past christmas. Because of Mrs. Tommie's residency I was able to embrace the smiles and joy on everyone's face. She was a blessing to Brenda and Brenda was a blessing to her, the two of them extended each others life. Their love is honored in heaven and earth. She will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Thank you Brenda for sharing your love with me. That's what friends are for. You all are in my prayers.Your friend and sister in Christ.
Love, Judy Havner

Hugh Hall

March 8, 2010

Tommie and Dr. Whitman were longtime friends with my parents Bill and Dolly Hall. I recall playing doubles tennis indoors at McVitty's with my father and Billy and Tommie. My love and prayers to all the children.

Mary McCarthy

March 7, 2010

March 7
My dad is a resident of The Court and this is how I knew Tommie. She was always smiling and participating in the activities she was able to.
God bless her soul and those of you who loved her.
Sincerely,
Mary McCarthy

March 3, 2010

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Tommie.

Linda Brown Richie Brown Tia Harris

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