Essie C. Whitaker

On Friday morning, June 26, 2009, Mrs. Essie Curry Whitaker, age 82, of 205 Terrace Ave., Petersburg, Va., entered eternal rest after a long term of illness.

She was the daughter of the late Dora and Henry Curry of Rich Square, N.C. She was a native of Rich Square, N.C., but lived in Petersburg, Va., for over 58 years. She was employed by Sovern Bank for numerous years until she retired and Foster Grandparents for Crater Foster Grandparents for over 10 years. She sang with the Golden Years Community Volunteers Gospel Choir and was a musician for Greater Faith Temple until her health declined.

She is preceded in death by husband, Emerson Whitaker Sr.; daughter, Dorathea; son, Emerson Whitaker Jr.; and sister, Lily Mae.

She confessed Christ at Branches Chapel Church at the age of 12 and remained a faithful member for nin years. In 1951, she came to Petersburg, Va., and joined Morning Star Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Elizabeth Pitt, Margaret Smith (Randall) of Petersburg, Va., and Ester Maye (Earl) of West Virginia; two sons, Jarvis Whitaker of Petersburg, Va., and Wallace Whitaker (Debbie) of Winchester, Va.; one devoted friend, Pauline Moore of Petersburg, Va.; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Virginia Galting (Alonzo) of Ahoskie, N.C.; one daughter-in-law, Argie Whitaker of Petersburg, Va.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Morning Star Baptist Church, Petersburg, with the Rev. Lewis Newbill officiating. Interment will be in Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The remains will lie in repose at the church on Thursday from 11:45 a.m. until the hour of service. Relatives and friends will assemble at 205 Terrace Ave., Petersburg, at noon. A memory video may be viewed at the funeral home. Services under the direction of Tuckers Funeral Home, 415 Halifax St., Petersburg. A.A. Tucker, funeral director.