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Marie Whitten Obituary
July 16, 1953 - July 28, 2025
Olivia Marie Baker Whitten, 72, of Charlottesville, VA, succumbed to an aggressive form of terminal disease in her home on July 28, 2025. She was born in Charlottesville, VA, on July 16, 1953, to parents, Sarah J. and the late Leon D. Baker, Sr.
She graduated from Albemarle High School in 1971. Marie attended Virginia State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1975. Upon graduating, she taught and coached at Middlesex High School in Saluda, VA until moving back to Charlottesville and teaching at Western Albemarle High School during the 78-79 school year. Marie taught and served as department head in health and physical education at WAHS until retiring in 2017.
She is survived by her husband, William Whitten; and her children, Erika Tucker (Herman) and Matthew. She is also survived by her mother, Sarah; her brother, Leon Jr. (Cassandra), brother, Calvin (Marianne); sister, Anne Brown (Victor); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, and chosen family.
The wake will occur on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 632 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA.
A Homegoing Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church. A viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. The interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville, VA.
Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. www.jfbellfuneralservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marie Whitten
Sponsored by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc..
Darlene Robinson(Quarles)
August 8, 2025
Marie was good friend and always kind. I will always remember her fondly for her " even keeled" personality and her warm smile.
Deb Tyson
August 8, 2025
Always have admired the calm and steady on approach of Marie. She was always a rock to so her student-athletes, colleagues and friends. God´s peace and healing to all who loved this beautiful soul.
Benjamin Carr
August 8, 2025
Leon, we are sorry to hear about your sister, Marie. She was a wonderful person, who touches so many people lives. She will be sorely missed. She has gained her heavenly wings and is flying high. God bless you and the family. Sorry we won´t be able to get to the service, we are in Europe.
Ben and Reva Carr
Deborah Ayres -Brown and Clifford Ayres -Brown
August 7, 2025
to the family with love from Deborah Ayres -Brown and Clifford Ayres -Brown .She was our high school track coach
Pauline Elizabeth Blakey
August 7, 2025
I want to give my deepest condolences to the Baker and Whitten family. I have known Marie since Rose hill Elementary School. We graduated together at Albemarle High School in 1971. I remember she was always a kind and thoughtful person who loved sports. May she find peace with the Lord now and forever.
Patricia Reardon
August 7, 2025
Heaven has gotten a good one! It is said that our life is measured not by what we gathered but what we scattered. Marie scattered her love and goodness which has touched so many lives. May Marie now know the peace and joy she brought to so many. It was an honor to know her. Rest in peace.
Kathy Webb
August 6, 2025
Marie and I taught behind-the-wheel driver´s education together for the past ten years at WAHS. We fast became friends and enjoyed teaching together, as well as spending time on the golf course. Marie had her own, very unique way of describing/correcting behaviors of student drivers, that always made me laugh. It is just so sad and empty to lose such a special friend and co-teacher. Marie was one of the strongest people I have ever known and a "real trooper" this past year. She was the rock and foundation of WAHS, as a wonderful teacher and coach, who touched so many lives. I will miss her dearly, and offer my condolences to her family. Love Kathy
Susie Neuhauser
August 6, 2025
There are no words that can comfort my heart in hearing about the passing of my colleague and friend Marie. It seems like it was just yesterday that we walked through the front door of the newly built Western Albemarle High School. We (Marie, Suzanne Drinkard and I) called ourselves "Charlie´s Angels" because the new principal Charlie Armstrong would soon discover the educational classroom never be the same! The rhythm queen for sure, I always appreciated Marie´s patience in trying to teach me "to feel the beat" despite the fact that my body never got it. She was also my "voice of reason" whenever the renegade side of me wanted to stir. I can still hear her saying: Susie, think about this first." Thank you Marie for your love, friendship, knowledge, faith, service, wisdom and influence. You fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. My your soul DANCE my friend in grace and glory forevermore. Love Susie
Albemarle High School Alumni Association
August 5, 2025
The members and supporters of the Albemarle High School Alumni Association were very sorry to hear about Mrs. Whitten´s passing. It is always sad to lose a member of the Albemarle family, and we offer our condolences to her family and friends.
JimGarnett
August 5, 2025
Having graduated from AHS the same year and known her throughout our teaching careers, I know how many lives she so positively touched!She was a very special person and we are all the better for having known her. I send my condolences to all her family. Jim Garnett
Ernest Bates
August 5, 2025
My deepest condolences to the Baker & Whitten family. I have known Marie since the frist grade at Rosehill Elementary School. Marie was always a wonderful person to get to know. After graduating from AHS, We would still run into one another from time to time at class reunion & golf tournaments etc. Marie was always the same warn articulate individual to know. It is very hard to fine the words to say how we will miss her. She has left this world for her heavenly home, we will miss her dearly, but she will remain in our hearts forever. Sorrowfully submitted Ernest Bates.
Christopher Barbour
August 5, 2025
Calvin and family so sorry to hear about your sister she was well known, she will be missed
Allen Freeman
August 5, 2025
Marie was "mamma" Whitten to generations of Western Albemarle students and a good friend to her colleagues. I have such fond memories of a kind and effective teacher and human.
Dr. Greg Domecq
August 5, 2025
Marie was a tremendous teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. She understood the importance of loyalty and support in all of those relationships. One could always depend on her to be a rock in the organization. In so many ways, Marie was what made Western the great place that it is. May our good Lord, Jesus Christ, welcome her into the gates of heaven where she has earned her rest. Marie meant so much to so many, I'm sure He said to her, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" Amen.
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