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Evelyn WHITAKER Obituary
She was the daughter of the late Sidney and Sarah McBrayer of Newport News, Va. She graduated from Huntington High School, West Virginia State University, and Hampton Institute. She received a bachelor of music degree with a major in Piano and a minor in Organ from West Virginia State University. She received a master of art degree with a major in Education and a minor emphasis in Supervision and Administration from Hampton Institute.
She was a teacher in the Newport News Public School System, and taught music in Nelson County High School in Shipman, Va., and at Morris College in Sumter, S.C. She served as the organist at St. Cyprian Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church (23rd and Jefferson Ave.), and at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church. She was a member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, the Aberdeen Gardens Historical Society, the West Virginia State University National Alumni Association, the West Virginia State University Hampton Roads Chapter, and the Hampton University national and local alumni associations. She was also a member of the 50 Plus Club, Newport News Retired Teachers Association, and the NAACP.
Survivors include her daughter, Rosalynne D. Whitaker-Heck; her son-in-law, Theodore R. Heck; and only grandchild, Thea Whitaker Heck, all of Hampton, Va. She also leaves a half sister, Caroline Arnell of Rochester, N.Y. Her very special in-laws include Thomas Jackson and Alvin Whitaker, both of Hampton, Herbert and Catherine Whitaker, Joseph and Viola Whitaker, Charles Whitaker, and Howard and Marion Whitaker, all of Newport News. She also leaves a host of other family members and friends.
She will be joining her late husband, Junius B. Whitaker; her pet dogs, Clover, Prince, and Mitch; and her cat, Grayson.
A homegoing service will be held for Evelyn at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News, VA View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn WHITAKER
Joy McDonald
June 21, 2011
Roz, Ted and Thea,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother. No one could have asked for a better family. You all took great care of her and I'm sure she appreciated all you did for her.
Shelia Harrison
June 18, 2011
Roz and Ted,
My condolences to you at this time on the passing of your loved one. May God continue to grant you peace and mercy at this time and always.
Hubert Harris
June 16, 2011
Our condolences go out to the family of Evelyn L. Whitaker, May God Bless and Comfort You on Your Loss.
Hubert& Aurelia Harris
Crystal KimpsonRoberts
June 16, 2011
Roz,
I am truly grieved to hear of your mother's passing. She was such a formidable spirit, and she lives on in you. I am praying that your memories and your faith will sustain you during this difficult time.
Yvonne Simons
June 16, 2011
Roz, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She produced a strong daughter and I am sure a strong grandaughter... a fine legacy of a fine life. So sad to lose your mama, though. My prayers are with you and Ted and Thea.
Your former student, Morgan Kirby
June 16, 2011
Professor Whitaker-Heck,
I'm sad to hear about the loss of your mother. Though I've never met her, I do know how much of an influence she was and is in your life. I remember you sharing stories about her during our event management class in the spring of 2008 (you talked about how you planned a tea or luncheon for her and some friends one year). You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
timmy robinson
June 16, 2011
i am going to miss evelyn, like miss the rest of the family. tim-lite
Luvenia Cappe
June 15, 2011
Dear Roz Ted & Thea:
Time will pass and the pain will lessen,but memories will be forever present of someone who was so very special. I have lost my dictionary, she was there for me when I need to spell "CAT". God's will is done. Love the Cappe Family
paul
June 15, 2011
for me Ms.Whitaker had a can-do spirit.
she inspires me. i recently met her in the last six years when visiting the family in their home. i heard of her health challenges but every time i visited Mama Whitaker would have achieved another goal/objective. i was really taken when she retaught and serenaded us with a tune on her organ. i thank Mama Whitaker for representin' - "no excuses !". i humbly thank the family, Rosalynne, Ted and Thea, for allowing me to share.
Ann Knox
June 15, 2011
To Rosalynne and family,
I wish to express my sincere condolences in the loss of your mother, Evelyn. She was a beautiful person and will be truly missed. God bless you and your family.
Delores Owens Ricks Bramlett
June 15, 2011
To The Family Of Evelyn Whittaker;
I extend my deep sympathy and prayers to you in this difficult time. Evelyn and I were classmates from elementary school and also worked together. She was always a kind and concerned person-a great lady.
Van Dora Williams
June 14, 2011
My heart goes out to the Whitaker and Heck family. Evelyn Whitaker was a wonderful woman and she will be sorely missed by her family and friends. I count myself blessed to be among the ones who knew Mrs. Whitaker. I will keep you all in prayer.
Breshell Jackson-Nevels
June 14, 2011
I loved my Aunt Evelyn as she was my confidant. Roz--you know that Iove you too pieces. Roz , you have a been a wonderful daughter and care taker as well as Ted. My God provide you with peace during this difficult time. I know Aunt Evelyn and my mother, Bernice are having a good time in heaven.
Maggie Elliott
June 14, 2011
To the Whitaker family, you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of you Mother. GOD bless you and keep you close in your time of sadness. With deepest sympathy.
The Elliott Family (Maggie, Steve, Sabrina, Darius and Brandon
H. Jay Lang
June 14, 2011
My sincere condolences go out to the Whitaker and Heck families as well. A sudden loss of someone so dear is a tough pill to swallow, I've been there, so I know your pain. In this difficult time know that GOD has finally given her rest. She's now with you everywhere all the time looking over you and no longer in pain. Relish the good times, the laughter, lessons learned, her kind ways and many wonderful days you two spent together. Roz, over the years you have become more than just a colleage, you are a true dear friend to me. Know that I am here for you and your family if you need me. She left a true gem with a wonderful heart in you. You are in my prayers.
Battinto Batts
June 14, 2011
Our family's sincere condolences go out to the Whitaker and Heck families. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Whitaker some time ago at Hampton University. May you all find peace in the wonderful times you spent with her, the lessons learned and the laughter shared. Roz, your mother did a great job with you.
Battinto L. Batts Jr. and the Batts Family (Denise, Tyler and Olivia)
Bruce Elliott
June 14, 2011
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Whitaker.I am a friend of her daughter Rosalynne.I met her when I was 17 and she was always very special to me.I will miss her very much. My love goes out to her family.
Kimberly Rowsey
June 14, 2011
Mrs. Whitaker was my chorus teacher when I was in 4th grade and she was just so sweet. I was young and I don't think I even knew what chorus was until her. I remember standing there just singing away...the whole time just watching that hand go up and down so my voice would know what to do. While she was directing our voices with one hand she was playing the piano with the other! I was young but I remember thinking how clever is she to be able to get me to sing like this with just her hand - "I can sing!", I thought, and I let everyone know it, too! What a great lady!
Vonda Hicks-Wilkins
June 14, 2011
I had Mrs Whitaker in 5th grade. She was one of my favorite teachers!I feel blessed to have known her.She was very nice and could be very strick also.I remember her teaching me the cords of the piano.i learn alot from her.May your family find peace in knowing she is at rest w/our heavenly father. Much love and be blessed also.
Vonda Hicks-Wilkins
Roz Whitaker-Heck
June 14, 2011
Mom,
I owe you and Daddy much for teaching me how to be a caring woman. You gave many much joy and in return God has taken you to Heaven where you are now full of vitality and able to see and walk again. Don't worry, I'll finish what I started and make you proud! And remember, "you be a good girl now." See you in the morning....
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