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Irene Whitlow Obituary

Irene P. Whitlow PORTSMOUTH - Irene Parker Whitlow, 87, passed away peacefully Tuesday Sept. 14, 2010. Mrs. Whitlow was born in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late James Parker and Minnie Pierce Parker. She was the widow of Joseph F. Whitlow Jr. since his death in 1986. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was vice president of J.F. Whitlow Jr. and Sons Inc. Survivors include her son, Ronald F. Whitlow; and two grandchildren, Lindsey C. Whitlow and Joseph Lee Whitlow. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by two sons, Alan Whitlow and Bruce Whitlow. A graveside funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, in Olive Branch Cemetery by the Rev. Dr. Philip Martin. Friends may join the family today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 2117 London Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23704.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Sep. 16 to Sep. 17, 2010.

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John Owens

September 11, 2020

Irene was the daughter of Jimmy Parker. Irene had five aunts: Lovey, Betty, Annie, Manie and Jody. The Parker Family came from the upper part of Virginia’s Eastern Shore around 1900 and settled in Scottsville / Scott’s Creek. Irene married Joe Whitlow, an excellent contractor, plumber, boatman and outdoorsman. Joe and Irene had three sons: Ronnie, Allen and Bruce. Irene was a wonderful, dedicated and super Mom. She “had to be” to take care of four robust and active men in the family. Joe dredged Scott’s Creek for larger boats. Joe built a fall out shelter in the early 1950’s during the nuclear bomb scare. And Irene had the prettiest weeping willow tree I had ever seen in her front yard. Irene was a fine and wonderful Christian Mother and homemaker. Elwood Owens, MD, JD. (a second cousin) ❤

September 16, 2010

Ronnie: My wife (Donna) and I were very saddened to hear of your Mother's passing. Your Mother and my Mother -- not only first cousins -- were good friends for many, many years . . . growing up together, playing together, and having families together. The neighborhood just wasn't the "same neighborhood" without Irene and her beautiful home next to the grandiose weaping willow tree. We are indeed sorry for your great lost. Sincerely, Elwood and Donna Owens, South Carolina.

September 16, 2010

The Whitlow family had a great presence in Shea Terrace and even though I haven't lived in Portsmouth for over 30 years, I still want to send my thoughts to the family and let them know they are remembered. Carol Twilley Maness

September 16, 2010

Lindsey and Lee, Sorry for the loss of your grandmother. You both, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Theresa Askew

Debbie Lauver

September 16, 2010

Ronnie, I am very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very special lady and I admired her for her continued active participation in the family business while most women her age were retired. Your friends at Internal Medicine of Portsmouth will keep you and your family in our prayers.

September 16, 2010

Lindsey and Lee, So sorry for the lost of your grandmother. Our Love and prayers go out to your family. Lora & Keith Kight and Family

September 16, 2010

Mrs. Whitlow was a very special and dear friend for many years. We will miss her greatly but the love, laughter and joy she gave us will always be a part of our lives. Our prayers and love go out to Ronnie and the rest of the family. May God be a Peace and Support during the time.

Phil and Linda Martin

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