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Celeste Whitehead Obituary
Celeste Dervaes Whitehead, 89, passed away Jan. 16, 2010, in Lynchburg.
She was born Jan. 7, 1921, in Tampa, Fla., the youngest of eight children and daughter of Rachelle Van Wesepoel and Albert Dervaes. She was a honor graduate of the University of Tampa, where she was an AAU track champion. Prior to World War II, she was the first woman aviator to solo in the south under the Civil Air Patrol program. In August of 1945, she married James Walter Whitehead. Among her numerous interests, she was an avid gardener and was a co-founder of the Reeves Center for the research and exhibition of the decorative arts at Washington and Lee University. She was a recipient of the Lynchburg Citation from the Lynchburg Chapter of the Washington and Lee Alumni Association.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years; two sons, James Walter Whitehead Jr. and Paul Dervaes Whitehead; two grandchildren, James Walter Whitehead III and Carson Key Whitehead; and two great-grandchildren, Claire Dervaes Whitehead and Graham Horn Whitehead.
A family graveside service is planned in Tampa.
Memories and Condolences
for Celeste Whitehead
5 Entries
Nancy Brown Catlett
February 1, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Whitehead's death. She was such a beautiful person, both inside and out. I have very fond memories of her picking me up in her sporty yellow Corvette to take me to watch Jimmy play baseball. It's been many years since I have seen the Whitehead family, but want them to know what a special family I always thought they were and that my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time of loss. May your warm memories of her sustain you during this time.
Willy Maes
January 20, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
mary Anderson
January 19, 2010
Though words can only help so much at times like this, please know that the Whitehead family are in my thoughts and prayers, Mrs. Whitehead will surely be missed.
January 19, 2010
Please accept our sincere condolences. Celeste was a wonderful and very special lady. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Tom and Pat Jones
Felicia Rogan
January 19, 2010
I had known the Whiteheads for many years and I don't know of any more elegant or devoted lady to her family and friends,She will be greatly missed. Felicia Warburg Rogan
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