Fern Whitaker

Fern LaRose Whitaker was born March 25, 1926 in Lebanon, Missouri to Fred H. and Elsie Leona Lynch Lambert. She passed away in her home Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of ninety-nine years, thirty days.
Fern saw many, many changes in her ninety-nine years. She experienced the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, the introduction of computers, cell phones, and so many other inventions too numerous to mention.
Fern attended Lebanon Schools and began her working career at the Greyhound Station for many years. She then began working at W.D. Waterman, preparing taxes and being a bookkeeper. She was a good and trusted employee and enjoyed what she did.
Fern was married to Paul Thomas on May 3, 1971. He passed away October 3, 1973. Fern then was married to Quenton Whitaker.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Elsie Lambert; her husbands, Paul Thomas and Quenton; her sisters, Frieda, Doris, Geneva and Dixie; and a grandson, Stacy Howell.
Fern is survived by her daughters, Patricia Howell of Lebanon, Missouri and Linda Lynde and her husband Harold of Sedalia, Missouri; her son, Johnnie Lee Williams and his wife Joyce of Borger, Texas; eight grandchildren; anywhere from 9 – 999 great and great-great-grandchildren, you count; and many friends and relatives.
Fern was a member of First Baptist Church. She loved her family dearly and loved animals. When she was younger, she enjoyed participating in a ministry for women at the Laclede County jail.
In her spare time, she enjoyed dancing, reading and playing pinochle.
Throughout her life, Fern was known for her unwavering dedication to her family, embodying the roles of a loving wife, devoted mother, and cherished grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. Her home was a haven of warmth, love, and laughter, where countless memories were created and treasured.
Funeral service for Fern Whitaker will be Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, May 2 from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park.
A memorial to Claws and Paws has been established and donations may be left at the funeral home.