Margaret Elizabeth Whitener

Evangelist Margaret Elizabeth Whitener

Evangelist Margaret Elizabeth Whitener was born on April 18, 1933, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to James Martin and Hester Graddic. She was their only child. She was deeply cherished by her beloved grandmother, Eliza Graddic, whom she was named after. She loved her like a second mother and carried her spirit of strength, wisdom, and faith throughout her life. Raised in Rock Hill, she received her early education at Emmett Scott High School.

In 1953, at the age of 20, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to join her mother. It was there that she fully surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. She was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and soon after received the gift of the Holy Ghost. From that moment forward, she lived a sanctified and consecrated life, dedicated fully to serving God. Alongside her mother, Evangelist Hester Neely, she traveled between Columbus and South Carolina, holding evangelistic revivals and spreading the Gospel. They ministered under the leadership of the late Overseer Mae Francis Brice, impacting countless lives for the Kingdom of God.

She was among the original eleven members and one of the first ministers of Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church of God at 517 St. Clair Avenue in Columbus, Ohio, where she served under the pastorate of Elder Sherman S. Watkins, who now serves as Bishop. The church would later become known as Higher Ground Always Abounding Assemblies, located at 870 St. Clair Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Her faithful service there spanned over six decades. She served diligently as a member of the Missionary Board, the Fishermen, the Prayer Band, and the Street Ministry. She was also the longtime President of the Usher Board. In addition to preaching and praying for others to receive the Holy Ghost, she ministered in music, playing the drums and singing in the church choir, where she was known for leading the powerful song “God Specializes.”

Her life was a living testimony. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 91, and she often found comfort in the words, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” She loved the Lord with all her heart and found great joy in winning souls. She was a pillar of strength and resilience, known for her unwavering faith and quiet endurance through every season of life. On June 2, 2025, after living a life full of purpose, she transitioned peacefully into the Presence of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roosevelt Whitener, her sons Ricky James Graddic and Rodney Scott Whitener, her parents James Martin and Hester Graddic, and her cherished grandmother Eliza Graddic, whom she held close to her heart all her life. She was also preceded in death by her grandson Curtis Eugene Witcher Jr. and her granddaughter Randi Denise Sanders.

In 1962, she married Roosevelt Whitener, and together they built a legacy rooted in faith, love, and service.

She was the proud and devoted mother of seven children: Apostle Robert Randy Graddic, spouse Linette Graddic, Ricky James Graddic, deceased, survived by spouse Tearr Graddic, Robbie Lee Holmes, survived by spouse Clark Holmes, deceased, Rodney Scott Whitener, deceased, Diane LaVerne Whitener, Marie Antoinette Whitener, and Roselyn Elizabeth Whitener.

Her children were her greatest earthly joy, and through them she was richly blessed with a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly. Her legacy continues through their lives, a reflection of the love, faith, and strength she poured into her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren Tasha Graddic, James Graddic Jr., Dacia Whiteside, William Witcher, Martin Whitener, Rodney Whitener, and Morgan Whitener, as well as a growing lineage of great-grandchildren and spiritual children.