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Edna Faye Whitehead

FUNERAL HOME

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive

Austin, Texas

Edna Whitehead Obituary

Family-Placed Obituary

Edna Faye Whitehead, age 67, died Saturday, February 28, 2004. Edna was born November 17, 1936, in Hainsville, LA, to Arthur and Edna Grace Smith. Edna was a retired U.S. Air Force Reserve and was the first woman to attain rank of Chief Master Sargeant. She is survived by her sons, David Whitehead and daughter-in-law, Karen of Buda, Larry Whitehead and daughter-in-law, Lisa of Kyle, Donald Whitehead and daughter-in-law, Annette of Austin, Ronald Whitehead and daughter-in-law, Leslie of Austin; sister, Jackie Gregory and brother-in- law, Greg of Mandeville, LA; brothers, Dale Johnson and wife, Karen of South Carolina, Randy Smith and wife, Diane of Camdon, AK; Christopher Whitehead, Helen Whitehead, Kayla Whitehead, Shelby Whitehead, B.J. Whitehead, Charlotte Whitehead, Ronald Whitehead Jr. Family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2004, at Cook-Walden/ Forest Oaks Funeral Home where services will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park. Memorial Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Austin.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Feb. 29, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Edna Whitehead

40 Entries

Randall Sallee

March 23, 2004

To a dear friend who will be dearly missed... Faye was a wonderful woman who was always there for me when I needed guidance with several issues. What a wealth of knowledge she had and was always there for the troops when they needed help. I will dearly miss you and hope you found a much better place above. Rest in Peace, your dear friend, Randy

Gilbert Wayman

March 8, 2004

Faye touched so many young men and women lives as she journeyed through life, that Faye will not be forgotten for a very long time. I will always have my memories of time spent with this great lady. I am happy to say we are friends. To the family I can only say I share in your sorrow, but like everyone else I am richer for knowing Faye. God take care of Faye.

Joe Buckner

March 8, 2004

Once in a great while this world is graced by the presence of a Shining Star. From the first moment I met her, it was evident she was one of the few. Faye was a lady who personified the attributes of greatness. Many times I called her seeking advice and she always inspired me. It certainly was honor to serve under the leadership of this Eloquent Command Chief Master Sergeant and more to have her as a friend. This world is a much better place because of her Kindness, Strength, and Love. I know she is resting by a Beautiful River and her trials are over. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I will truly miss her

David Avner

March 8, 2004

Our paths have crossed so many times the past 25 years. It was such a joy to work with you Faye while you were at 10/AF, and the daily contact we had while I was up at the HQ. You always joked that it was fun to tell your Grand Children that you wore Combat Boots. Your legacy has been made in the Reserve Family. We love and miss you. Dave "Tank" Avner.

Shepard Campbell

March 7, 2004

I am so thankful to have met and worked with Faye Whitehead. She has been instrumental in enhancing my career and the careers of all whom lives she has touched. She will be truly missed. I want to express my personal condolence and pray along with the families and friends of all who knew her.

SMS Gary Huff

March 6, 2004

"Chief", Ma'am we are all better off having known and served with you. God now has the best Command Chief. May you rest in Peace.

SMSgt Calvin Stevens

March 5, 2004

I am so glad I had an opportunity to know Chief Whitehead. Also, I am even more glad "she" crossed my path. Rest in Peace!!!

SMSgt Calvin Stevens

Jim & Ann Partington

March 4, 2004

Professional and friendly, thanks.

Karen Bovard

March 4, 2004

Faye, I will always remember your trip out here to Arizona and my 'making you' take time off--you never took time off...and our going up to the red rocks of Sedona. And the evening we spent at the outdoor country concert (in 110 degree weather) and you chugging your beer when the security guard told us we couldn't have it in the parking lot. My memories are treasured.

You will always be in my heart and in my thoughts. Please say hi to my Mom and Dallas dog for me.

To Faye's family, my thoughts are with you. We have all lost a very special person whom we will see again someday.

Karen Ploof

March 4, 2004

Momma Faye I will miss you. My heart aches to know that you have passed. My memories of SORTS classes, your visits here and our trips north to Vermont and New Hampshire. Our late night talks because you only needed 5 minutes of sleep. You were my friend, my mentor. To Faye's family, may god hold you in his hand and give you comfort in your time of grief. We all loved her so very much, thank you for sharing her with us.

Karen

Ron Durant

March 4, 2004

A great lady & a real"trooper".

Jim Pascarella

March 4, 2004

Your smile, kindness and memories will live on forever! You touched so many people at the 94th AW and the entire Reserve Command. You were an inspiration to all you came in contact with. God Bless you Faye!

Richard Almeida

March 4, 2004

Faye was the consummate professional who combined leadership, knowledge, humor, and caring into one package. She always had time for you and always offered to visit you if extra time was needed. No question was ever stupid to Faye. Faye was a very genuine sincere person who lived how God wants all his children to live, by example. Faye you will be missed but not forgotten by me. To the family, my prayers and thoughts are with you and I share your grievance but also will share your happiness knowing that she is in good hands now!!!!

Linda Abla

March 4, 2004

Faye Whitehead was an amazing person not only to her family but to others who knew and loved her. Faye always had a houseful of kids and that's including more than David, Larry, Ronnie & Donnie or "the twins" as they were always known as. Mr. & Mrs Whitehead always made you feel like you were one of the "family". They're wasn't hardly ever a time when they didn't always have more kids in their house besides the four boys, and that was boys and girls alike. Your family was "One of a kind" and you have changed many lives because of your love and kindness. You will be missed dearly, but knowing that you are at "Peace" and in heaven with our Heavenly Father and with Mr. "W" is comfort alone. May you have peace knowing what both your Mom and Dad meant to so many of us growing up. God bless the family in their time of sorrow. Linda Abla

Willie Parsons

March 3, 2004

My condolences go out to Fayes family. She was a wonderful person who left a positive impression with everyone she met. She is and always will be missed.

Allen Withers

March 3, 2004

Dear Friends,

I was Faye's Wing Chaplain for a number of years at the 94th AW. She was a joy for all of us to know. I will never forget her infectious smile.

You are held in thoughts and prayers during this time.

Betty Petrie

March 3, 2004

Some people leave lifelong memories behind, and Faye is no exception. I'll forever hear her saying, "Never mind!" in SORTS classes. And I'll never forget her stopping to buy new shoes at the Mall of America when her feet got tired - she put on the new shoes and kept on walking! I also have a photo of the two of us on the Mall's roller coaster - big smile and flying hair and non-stop laughter. Goodbye, my friend, and my love to all her family.

March 3, 2004

From the Dobbins Chiefs Group, please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of one of the finest Chiefs ever to grace our United States Military. Faye’s extended family here at Dobbins were blessed by her time spent with us and her spirit will live on through everyone she touched with her dedication and love of the armed forces. Although we’ll mourn her, we’ll celebrate the times we’ve shared and be ever thankful for all of Faye’s contributions.

Thanks Faye. We love you!!

CMSgt Les Davy

President, Dobbins Chiefs Group

Jennifer Harris

March 3, 2004

My thaughts and prayers are with Faye's family and friends. She was a wonderful caring woman who always had time for others.

Craig Judd

March 3, 2004

Chief Faye Whitehead was truly a gift from God. Her smiling face and laughter will be truly missed by all those people who were touched by her gentle loving soul. May God Bless you during this time of grief.

Brenda Pueblo

March 3, 2004

To the family of Mrs. Faye,

My sincere sympathy is extended to you and your family. Mrs. Faye was a dear, sweet woman. She touched the lives of many people over the years. I'm very proud to say that she was a big inflence in my military career. She will be dearly missed by all whom have known hers. God Bless you in your time of sorrow.

Jane Agers

March 3, 2004

My thoughts and prayers are with Faye's family now. Faye was one of the AF Reserve's finest and she will be missed. I had the privilege of knowing and working with her for over 25 years. The world is a better place because of her. I will miss her.

Peggy McDaniel

March 3, 2004

Truly a remarkable women. Always there with a smile and a hug. She will missed by all that knew her

Mark Palmer

March 2, 2004

Faye was the best of us. She touched everyone with a smile a hug and a kind word. We are all dimished by her passing and enriched by her memory.

E.B. & Maggie Rogers

March 2, 2004

We were so sad to hear that our friend, Fay, has passed away. We will miss her and you and your family are in our prayers. We knew her from her going to Green Acres Baptist Church in Warner Robins.

Kimberley Hernandez

March 2, 2004

Faye was a very friendly and vibrant person she will be missed, may she rest in peace.

Marilyn Hackett

March 2, 2004

I worked with Faye at 10 AF and there was never a more professional, helpful or caring person. She was one-of-a-kind and a great mentor to many, male and female. She will be missed.

Yvette Briscoe-Thomas

March 2, 2004

Faye - A great lady & a great instructor. Always had a sense of humor, especially (as she would put it), when she was having a "senior moment". Will miss her at all the SORTS classes.

SMSgt Yvette Briscoe-Thomas

Anna Della

March 2, 2004

My condolence to the family of Edna Faye Whitehead. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She mentored many during her the years and I will always remember the energy and love she shared while teaching you. I pray that God strenghten you during this difficult time.

Anna Della

March 2, 2004

My condolence to the family of Edna Faye Whitehead. She was a beautiful person, a great mentor and love for all, everyone who came in contact with her loved her very much. I pray God strengthen you during this very difficult time.

Theodore Steier

March 2, 2004

You will be missed. Thank you for everything you taught me.

Stephen Humphrey

March 2, 2004

Faye was such a lovely lady to work with and a loyal friend. She will be missed by all.

SH from the "Okies"

Cindy Gieger

March 2, 2004

Chief Faye will be dearly missed. She always had a smile and kind word for all. She was always a teacher, mentor, and friend to all she met. In the history of AF Reserves she will continue to live on and I hope someday to be 1/2 the person, the Chief, she was. Thank you to her family for sharing her with us and thank God for bringing her into our lives. God Bless.

Bill Lantz

March 2, 2004

Faye Whitehead is one of the most cheerful, friendly, and technically knowledgable people I've ever met. Strength of character and personal resolve are two of her most notable hallmarks. I will miss her friendship deeply.

Mike McCoy

March 2, 2004

You will be missed. Rest in peace.

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