Debra Lynn Whittaker

Debra Whittaker, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 2, 2026, in Spring Hill, Florida after a courageous battle with ALS. Born on March 28, 1954, in Adrian, Michigan, she lived a life marked by faith, dedication to service, and unwavering love for her family.

Debra graduated from Madison School with a high school diploma and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eckerd College. Her professional life was defined by her commitment to helping others. She spent decades as the business manager at the Eckerd Youth Challenge Program, where she worked closely with at-risk teenagers. Later, she continued her career as a business manager at Pasco Hernando

Community College.

Her devotion extended beyond her professional work into her spiritual life and community involvement. A faithful

member of both Highlands Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Weeki Wachee Acres, Debra served as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Her faith in Christ was central to her life and evident in the kindness and compassion she showed to everyone around her.

Debra found joy in simple pleasures- especially searching for treasures at yard sales and flea markets. These outings reflected her appreciation for life's small wonders and her eye for hidden beauty. Her love for her 2 daughters and desire to give them the best childhood she could was reflected in everything she did; from

weaving imaginative bedtime stories starring them as two little princesses; volunteering for school field trips; planning countless family vacations to Disney World and Universal Studios; and creating lifelong memories of holidays filled with love.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Brittany Whittaker Rivera and Chaundra Whittaker; son-in-law Tony Rivera; grandchildren Atreus and Ariyah Rivera; brother Darrel Blair; nieces Sheila and Delee Blair; great-nephews Davon Dillard and Tyrell Blair; and great-niece Reese Dillard. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Whittaker; parents Linnie and Lloyd Blair; mother-in- law Pauline Whittaker; and sister-in-law Kay Blair.

Debra's legacy lives on through the lives she touched-with grace, strength, and an enduring love that will not be forgotten. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.