Mary Whitaker

Profile of Life"There is a time for everything, and a season for everyactivity under heaven" Ecclesiastes 3:1 A Time To Be Born And A Time To Die: Mrs. Mary WilliamsWhitaker, the oldest member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, wasborn January 12, 1914. She was a bundle of joy for her motherand father, Frank and Martha Williams, as well as, for grandparents, Charles and Eldora Ellis Williams. She enjoyedmusic, good food, oratory, banquets, concerts, and dances. Shetraveled extensively thoughout the United States, Canada, andthe Caribbean. She liked telling stories about her brother andtheir childhood, laughing, and having fun. She was glamorous,generous, elegant, engergetic, candid, and courageous."Serving  with a heart like jesus," she was loving, understanding, and forgiving.  Having  the distinct ability to communicate with allages, she liked being with people.  While a resident at NationalHealth Care, Bluffron, SC, her voice was silled and she enteredeternal rest on the day after Thanksgiving, November 25, 2011.A TIME TO PLANT AND A TIME TO BUILD:  Mrs. Whitaker wasbaptized in St. Stephen A.M.E. Church where she was an activemember of Sunday School and Church.  While a resident of NewYork City, she joined Bethel A.M.E. Church. Upon relocation to Hardeeville, She renewed her membership with St Stephen and served as both a stewardess and missionary.  She attended the Hardeeville School for Colored Children and the Rosenwald School in Ridgeland. In 1977, she retired from the New York City school system where she worked as a school aide at P.S. 208.A TIME TO LOVE: Mrs. Whitaker and her husband, Nelson Whitaker, Jr. celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving Day 1944.  In addition to their own children, they opened their home to many relatives who were beginning theircareers.  They were the parents fo two sons and two daughters.  Her husband, one son, James Hall, and three grandsons Ralph Hall,Nelson Lamonte Whitaker and Jamie Whitaker predeceased her.A TIME TO EMBRACE: While  rsideing in New York City, Mrs. Whitaker was affiliated with One Hundred Black Women, a serviceorganization and the Highlight Ten Social Clud with sponsored tours, cruises, dances and picnics.  She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women and an ardent supporter of the Senior Citizens Center in Hardeeville. Her award included Certificateof Recognition (Nationa Historical Education Committee, CherokeeChildren of All Nations, 2011), Certificate of Honor (Second EldestFamily Member, Holmes-Brigh-Williams Family Reuion Committee,2010),  Proclamation of Mary Williams Whitaker Day, January 12,2009 States of South Carolina House of Representatives, Jasper County Council, and the City of Hardeeville), Outhstanding Community Service Plaque (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Garden of Light Committee, 2006), Certificate of Appreciation (St Stephen A. M.E. Church, 1997). A christian View Magazine featured her in the March 2011 edition.ATIME TO MOURN: Cherishing the precious memories are two daughters, Elizabeth Tiller (Louis) of Chicago, Illinois, Dorothy Whitaker of  New York City, New York; one son, Nelson Whitaker III, one daughter-in-law, Sarah Frierson fo New Your City, New York; four grandchildren, Regina Frierson and Craig Frierson  (Donna) of New York City, New York; Karen Tiller and Michael Tillerof Chicago, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Carrie L Stephens ofHephzibah, Georgia; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews,cousins, and friends. 

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