With solemn hearts, we announce the passing of Rachel Irene Whitaker (Newport News, Virginia), born in Yorktown, Virginia, whose presence will be deeply missed, having departed on April 15, 2024 at the age of 89. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Rachel Irene Whitaker to pay them a last tribute.

She was predeceased by : her parents, Moses Brown, Jr. and Gladys Slade Brown; her spouse Early Whitaker, Sr.; her great grandchild Adriana Williams; and her sisters, Nannie Pennie, Eva Dillard, Gladys Holland, Ophelia Talton (Ann) and Ceceila Whitby.

She is survived by : her children, Aaron Whitaker (Debra) of Yorktown, Early Whitaker Yorktown (Lydia) of Yorktown, Connie Young Hampton (Lionel) of Yorktown, Linda Taylor Newport News (Calvin) of Yorktown, Karen Whitaker of Yorktown and Clayton Whitaker (Tina Krachla) of Yorktown; her grandchildren, Tasha Isbell (Jodie), Charles Whitaker (Tameka), Telicia Saunders (Eugene), Cassondra Hanks (Robert), Ericka Whitaker, Brittany Whitaker, Kristina Taylor Reese (Cordell) and Ashley Taylor; her siblings, Mildred Nettles, Laura Banks and Moses Brown, III (Leontine); and her siblings-in-law, Alfreda Wynder of Newport News, Sandra Whitaker, Gail Hinmon, Elaine Wilmore, Nancy Boone and Darryl Whitaker. She is also survived by thirteen great-grandchildren, four great-great children.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 24th 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home (210 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601). A celebration of life was held on Thursday, April 25th 2024 at 1:00 PM at the New Bethel Baptist Church.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
W J Smith & Son Funeral Home