Janet Godwin Whitaker

Janet G. Whitaker, 66, transitioned on Monday, March 16th, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born December 18th, 1959, in Sumter, SC, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Godwin and the late Dorothy (Mel) Griffin. Janet was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was eternally sealed in the Temple to Late Joe Paz Whitaker Sr. Janet was a nurturing, charismatic, and witty spirit. Janet spent numerous years working for Whitaker's Trust and, as the matriarch of the family, was a phenomenal mother and grandmother.

Janet is survived by her three children: Joe Paz Whitaker Jr (Alica Grant), Brittany (Swantonie) Vogt, and Brooke Whitaker (Jaycn Palmer), two stepchildren: Kevin Whitaker and Kathleen (Sam) Richards, and one special daughter, Shamika Peterson. 19 grandchildren: Presley Whitaker, Swantonie & Swanzhane Vogt, Joe Paz Whitaker III, Aydin Palmer, Joslynn Whitaker, Angel DuRant, Jala Whitaker, Ava Palmer, Naeem Vogt, Joya Whitaker, Noah Grant, Calvin D. Sowells JR, Carslie & Cora Richards, Ian Grant, Elle Gregg, Asher Palmer, and James "Wells" Whitaker. One great-grandchild is expected to arrive in July 2026. Four siblings: Larry Godwin, Barbara Kanach, Steve Godwin, and Jilda Godwin. The Whitaker Family and numerous nieces and nephews. Special extended family: Aliegha, Ashley, Miles, Malik, The Vogt family, Leslie Kinney & family, Trent Keels, Penny Hayes & family, Brenda Sowells & family, Ida, Jackie, Kelly, Malinda and many more.

Memorial service will be held at 4 P.M. Friday, March 20, 2026, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 P.M. Friday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home in Sumter, South Carolina.

Cards and Flowers may be sent to: Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home or the family's home.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.