Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Celeste WHITEHEAD Obituary
born 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 Amateur Athletic Union track champion. Prior to World War II, she was the first woman aviator to fly solo in the south under the Civil Air Patrol program. In August of 1945, she married James Walter Whitehead. She had numerous interests, and was an avid gardener, and 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Celeste WHITEHEAD's name
Memorial Events
for Celeste WHITEHEAD
How to support Celeste's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Celeste WHITEHEAD's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
