Mrs. Whitaker has lived at Selma, AR since 1927, where she met the love of her life, Vance Jahue Whitaker, whom she married on October 22, 1932. He preceded her in death in 2004. She was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family and was involved in many community activities. She was a member of the historical Selma United Methodist Church and a licensed LPN and caregiver. She was a very kind and loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was also preceded in death by one son, V.A. Whitaker, three brothers and three sisters.
Mrs. Whitaker's family moved from Helena to Arkansas City in 1927. Shortly after arriving to Arkansas City, the great flood of 1927 came and they lost everything they had due to the high waters and looting. They floated in a boat from Arkansas City to what is called Erwin Hill located in the southeastern part of Drew County just west of Tillar. Refugee tents were set up for victims of the flood. This would be their home until housing could be found in the Selma community.
Mrs. Whitaker developed typhoid fever from the stagnated water but was blessed to survive and have a wonderful life and family. She also survived the Great Depression along with many other hardships of that era. She was a very strong lady with a strong faith that helped her survive the many obstacles she experienced. She will be remembered fondly and greatly missed.
She is survived by one son, Basil Whitaker and wife, Glenda of Alexandria, LA; one daughter, Beverly Whitaker Crain and husband, Bobby of Selma; ten grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
Condolences(20)
Carolyn Holloway Ballard
Conway, AR Monday, September 26, 2011 Mrs. Esther was a very special person...The last timeI remember seeing her was at the family visitation of
my mother. She came out on a very stormy night to
visit with us. We sure appreciated her coming.
I'm sorry we didn't know about the funeral until too late.
We will be keeping you in our prayers.
Carolyn Ballard
Bob, Gayle & Brandt Brown
Monticello, AR Monday, September 26, 2011 Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you all and praying for you in the coming days. We know that you miss her more than you can say. How blessed you were to have had her in your lives for so many years. As the song says "Heaven's Sounding Sweeter All The Time"sonny an leatha royce
moore, OK Sunday, September 25, 2011 beverly we are so sorry to hear about ypour mom she was agreat lady . i always loved to visit with her when i drove the propane truck. she was truly blessed by a long life now she rest with the lord an your dad. god bless u guysTammy (Priest) Borders
Mesa, AZ Sunday, September 25, 2011 Beverly;The Priest Family were saddened to hear of Ms. Ester's passing. Both of your parents were very special people and we never missed the chance to stop in and see them when visiting Arkansas. I still share stories of spending time at their home with my children.
May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
The Priest Family
Linda Parker Thurman
monticello, AR Sunday, September 25, 2011 Tony Hood,I am so very sorry for the loss of your of your Grandma.
She is one sweet lady.
PAUL@MARY MCHAN
COLUMBIA, TN Saturday, September 24, 2011 BEVERLY,SO SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR MOM. I DIDN'T KNOW HER BUT SOUNDS LIKE A WONDERFUL LADY, JUST LIKE HER DAUGHTER. LOVE YOU AND PRAY GOD SMILES ON YOU TODAY.Jacqueline Block Robinson
, AR Saturday, September 24, 2011 Melanie, I was saddened by the news of the loss of your Grandmother. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Miyoshi Leonard-Smith
, AR Saturday, September 24, 2011 Sending our love and prayers, Sandy & Birdie Leonard and family.Joyce Smith
Monticello, AR Friday, September 23, 2011 Praying for all the family. May the Lord comfort you during this time and in the time ahead of you. May your precious memories soon replace your sadness.Liz Trotter Corbell
Dublin, TX Friday, September 23, 2011 Beverly, I was sad to learn of your Mom's passing. Throughout this difficult time, may you know the deep sympathy and concern that are felt for you, and all of your family. May God's healing touch bring you much peace.Carl E. Sivils, Jr.
Crossett, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 What a wonderful person.Carol Moore
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless youJoyce and Jerry Smith
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 What a beautiful lady and awesome testimony. So sorry for the families loss. We are praying for the Lord to bring you comfort. May the Lord sustain you and replace your sadness with wonderful memories.Larry and la Wanda johnson
Hamburg, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 You and your family are in our prayers.Tommy and Rochelle Nix
Kingsland, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Ashley and family,We are very sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. We were honored to meet Ms. Whitaker one night at Church. She was a special lady to many and will be missed.
Love,
Tommy and Rochelle
Kathryne Burton
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Beverly and family: I am so sorry to hear about thedeath of your mother. I can relate to that. We are
thinking of you at this time.
Kathryne and Kenneth
Stanley Browder
Elgin, TX Thursday, September 22, 2011 Beverly, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember your Mother from our elementary school days. She was always so nice and full of energy.Gary Hatley
Sherwood, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Dear Beverly and family, I offer my deepest sympathy. Although I never met your Mother, I can see she was a wonderful lady who brought joy and meaning to many. I always admired that beautiful cattle farm where she lived most of her life. I also know life doesn't always come easy and your Mother proved she had what it took to help make this Country Great and a better life for all of us. She is truly from the Greatest Generation!Jimmy L. & Donna V. Hill
Monticello, AR Thursday, September 22, 2011 Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Whitaker was a very special lady in my life and I have many memories of her and Selma. If there is anything my family or I can do we are here for you. Love, Jimmy and Donna Hill, Stephen and Carrie Hill, John and Paige (Hill) Stell and childrenMisty & Dale Jones
Monticello, AR Wednesday, September 21, 2011 Melanie and FamilyWe are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.