Evelyn Loretta McBrayer Whitaker

1931-2011

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Evelyn Loretta McBrayer Whitaker was born on Nov. 13, 1931 and took her peaceful journey to heaven on June 10, 2011.

She was the daughter of the late Sidney and Sarah McBrayer of Newport News, Va. She graduated from Huntington High School, West Virginia State University, and Hampton Institute. She received a bachelor of music degree with a major in Piano and a minor in Organ from West Virginia State University. She received a master of art degree with a major in Education and a minor emphasis in Supervision and Administration from Hampton Institute.

She was a teacher in the Newport News Public School System, and taught music in Nelson County High School in Shipman, Va., and at Morris College in Sumter, S.C. She served as the organist at St. Cyprian Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church (23rd and Jefferson Ave.), and at St. Augustine*s Episcopal Church. She was a member of St. Augustine*s Episcopal Church, the Aberdeen Gardens Historical Society, the West Virginia State University National Alumni Association, the West Virginia State University Hampton Roads Chapter, and the Hampton University national and local alumni associations. She was also a member of the 50 Plus Club, Newport News Retired Teachers Association, and the NAACP.

Survivors include her daughter, Rosalynne D. Whitaker-Heck; her son-in- law, Theodore R. Heck; and only grandchild, Thea Whitaker Heck, all of Hampton, Va. She also leaves a half sister, Caroline Arnell of Rochester, N.Y. Her very special in-laws include Thomas Jackson and Alvin Whitaker, both of Hampton, Herbert and Catherine Whitaker, Joseph and Viola Whitaker, Charles Whitaker, and Howard and Marion Whitaker, all of Newport News. She also leaves a host of other family members and friends.

She will be joining her late husband, Junius B. Whitaker; her pet dogs, Clover, Prince, and Mitch; and her cat, Grayson.

A homegoing service will be held for Evelyn at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, 2515 Marshall Ave., Newport News, VA

(DAILY PRESS – Newport News, Virginia - 14 June 2011)

Obituary provided by Robert L. "Bob" McBrayer)

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