Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker, Jr.

On loan from Heaven, Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker, Jr. entered this earthly realm on July 6, 1941 into the arms of his beloved parents, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Clifton Whitaker, Sr. Leaving a legacy of devotion to God and his church, Commitment to family, and his investment in and contributions to community, God called him to reclaim his place in Heaven on September 10, 2021. He has assumed his place as one of God’s generals in the Kingdom.

Dr. Whitaker was a 1959 graduate of Armstrong High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University. In addition, he earned a Doctor of Divinity degree and Doctor of Humane Letters from the Richmond Virginia Seminary. Dr. Whitaker began his career as a police officer with the Richmond Police Department, becoming one of the first African Americans to receive the Excellence Police Duty Medal and the first officer promoted to the Detective Division after serving on the force for eight months. He retired from the force after seventeen years of service, having received his Divine Calling to the ministry.

In 1982, Dr. Whitaker accepted the call as Pastor of the Grayland Baptist Church. God’s anointing on his pastorate was evidenced by unprecedented growth. He served the church faithfully as a shepherd and evangelist, turning many wayward souls to Christ. Under his anointed leadership, the church constructed a new sanctuary and fellowship hall, initiated a community outreach program which included weekly community feedings for the homeless and disadvantaged and encouraged and supported Christian leadership workshops. The church grew in membership, experienced spiritual growth, financial growth and excelled in community outreach programs. Dr. Whitaker retired from Grayland in 2015 after thirty-three years of faithful and dedicated leadership, becoming the esteemed Pastor Emeritus.

Dr. Whitaker has been affiliated with numerous organizations, serving as a member and former president of the Baptist General Convention of VA Clergy, a member of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity, a member of the National Baptist Convention, a member of the NAACP, a member of Engine Company # 9 and Associates and past Master Mason, Richmond Consistory 32nd degree Mocha Temple #7. He also served on the faculty and was Academic Dean of the Richmond Virginia Seminary.

Dr. Whitaker has been awarded countless honors, to include Father of the Year by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Minister of the Year Award from the Ushers Union of Richmond and Vicinity, the Dale Carnegie Award, the Kingdom Fellowship Outstanding Service Award, and the Living Legends Award presented by Grayland Baptist Church.

Dr. Whitaker was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish and celebrate his memory a loving and devoted family: his wife of 58 years, Dr. Dolores Whitaker; four daughters, Rev. Gina Whitaker Cannon, Jacquelin Whitaker Miller (Maurice), Joy Whitaker Thomas (Gregory), and Terry Jackson; grandchildren, Quinton and Jordan Narcisse, Kaitlyn Thomas, Jeff, Jarel and Javon Braxton and a great-grandchild, Mehlani Braxton; two sisters, Dr. Beverly Whitaker-Cleveland and Dr. Joyce Whitaker-Campbell (Dr. James); two sisters-in-law, Nan Caldwell and Yvonne Marable (Harvey); several loving nieces and nephews, cousins, a host of other relatives and friends and several devoted and loving godchildren: Jeffrey Durant, Sr., Anthony Ervin, Pastor Michael Hathaway, Monte Hathaway, Rita Jane Robinson, Rev. Dr. Michael Scott, Wanda Stallings and Zachari Stallings.

Professional services have been entrusted to Scott’s Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Friends are invited to celebrate Dr. Whitaker’s life at a Walk thru viewing on Monday, September 20, 2021 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Grayland Baptist Church, 2301 Third Avenue. The Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar Street. Rev. Dr. Kirkland R. Walton, officiant; Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney, eulogist. Interment Riverview Cemetery. Livestream available https: //www.csbcog.org We will adhere to all COVID-19 safety guidelines e.g., wearing masks and social distancing.

Guest Book

I remember Rev. Dr. Whitaker as Mr. Junie. He was a detective and would come visit my family sometimes when I was a child. One day our dog went missing. My sister and I was so upset over our beloved pet. It was easy to steal dogs back then since they typically weren't welcomed in the house. The next time we saw Mr. Junie my sister and I asked if he could help locate our missing dog. He actually took out his pen and pad and started writing. He asked us to describe our dog to him. He said he would be on the lookout for him. Unfortunately, our dog was never located. It was many, many, years later that my grandfather admitted to me that he had taken the dog to the "dog pound". Thank you Detective Whitaker for making two little girls feel very important that day. Thank you for listening to our little voices and making us feel like we mattered. Sheryl Hughes Mosley

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Heart felt condolences to the Whitaker family. May God continue to keep you and give you peace!

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GOD BLESS THE FAMILY

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Heartfelt condolences to the Whitaker Family. May God comfort you during this time of bereavement. Cary and Jones family St. John Baptist Church Toano VA

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Dr. Whitaker and Family, I am sorry to hear about Pastor Whitaker's passing he will truly be missed. He was our family Pastor, he baptized most of the Turner Family, he Married Us as well as the burial of some of us. May Gods peace, strength and comfort be with you and the Whitaker Family in this time of bereavement 🙏🏼

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Pastor Whitaker was a legendary man. I can to know, love, and was accepted as family during a critical time in my life. G, Jacci, & Joy baby sis is here! Lady D may you have peace in time. I pray comfort for everyone affected 🕊💜 #Iwontcomplain

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Our condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Cliff Whitaker. May the peace of God keep you during this difficult season knowing that your loved one is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. God's Grace and mercy will help you to endure the loss but also remember how he blessed you with his life. May God continue to bless and strengthen your family. David & Iris Hines

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My heartfelt condolences to all the family. Praying for you all daily!Kalandra GainesMSEM

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Our thoughts and prayer are with you and the entire family at this difficult time. My sincere sympathy Michelle Rodgers Hampton

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At times like this, words can not say the things we like them to...but know that caring thoughts are there with you and your family at this difficult time. My sincere sympathy to the entire Whitaker Family Mrs. Betty Rodgers

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I am just learning of Clif's departure from this temporary existence and celebrate with you in knowing he is now though absent from the body is present with God. In days yet to come I will visit you Lores but for now, you and the entire Whitaker household are in my prayers. Danny

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To my beloved family, Sophia, Morris Jr, Matthew and I want you all to know how much we truly Love you. Our prayers for you all are that GOD will grant you the peace and comfort in knowing that Big Cuz is resting in the presence of the Lord. Lovingly Submitted, Rev. Morris L. Allmond Sr

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To the family you have my sympathy prayers going up Blessings 🙏 & peace

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Our condolences to the Whitaker family. May God give you all you need to get through these tough times. He will always be your guardian angel. We love you and are here for you. Charles & Priscilla Allmond

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I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with your family. Denise Cousins

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Our condolences to the family of Rev. Dr. Cliff Whitaker. May the peace of God keep you during this difficult season knowing that your loved one is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. God's Grace abs mercy will help you to endure the loss but also remember how he blessed you with his life. May God continue to bless and strengthen your family.

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To the Whitaker Family we would like to offer our condolences to all of you. Please know that we are praying for you. The Rock Hill Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows, Rock Hill,SC4

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Our condolences to the family of our beloved classmate. He was loved by our classmates and the staff of Armstrong High School.May the Lord continue to bless his family and comfort them at this time. Armstrong Class of '59 Sec. Shirley Williams-Burgess

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We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved classmate, Dr.Clifton Whitaker, Jr. It was a joy to just be in his company. He was a friend to all and will truly be missed. We seen our sincerest condolences to the entire family. Love you all. Armstrong Class of '59 Sec. Shirley Williams-Burgess

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Prayers and condolences to the family of Rev. Dr.Clifton Whitaker JR. Please know you are in our prayers. God is Able and will see you thru. Rock Hill Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows, Rock Hill, SC

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To members of the Whitaker family, wife and daughters: May God comfort you in knowing that Dr.Whitaker was a true servant of the Lord who loved preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He will be missed but his legacy lives on. Edwina Richmond

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To the family of Pastor Whitaker a great preacher and man of God, we pray that you will feel God's presence as you go forward. Pastor R.V. and First Lady Sykes, and the Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church of New Kent, Va.

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My prayers of sympathy to Reverent Whitaker's family. He will forever be my pastor. Love from Sandra, Milton Sr. and Jr. Howze.

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Our love and condolences to First Lady, Gina, Jacci, Joy and the entire Whitaker family. Pastor helped us all navigate "this thing called life" and we are forever grateful for his love, leadership, and spiritual guidance. God is in control and I know your faith and his love with sustain you. Take your rest, Pastor. We've got it from here... 💕

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Halstead Howell and family offer condolences to the Whitaker family on the passing of a loved member of the family, Junior. We pray that God will sustain you during this time of bereavement.

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TO the Whitaker family I offer my deepness Condolences to your family ,Sometime we can find the words to say . Sometimes we can only stand beside one another and let our closeness say what words cannot. Please know that our hearts are with you please know how much others care Remember that your loss is shared by friends who care and that you're in our thoughts and prayers .Peace and blessing to you Lolita S Moses and family

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To the Whitaker Family - Heartfelt condolences at this time of bereavement. Have known Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker, Jr. since Armstrong High School. May God console you right now.

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To The Whitaker Family and to Dr. Beverly Whitaker-Cleveland I was saddened to learn of Rev. Dr. Whitaker's passing. I am praying for you and your family. Shirley Green (The A. Alexander Singers) and (Chick-Fil-A)

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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. LaVette Jackson

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Doc was a preacher's preacher and will be greatly missed 🙏🏾 Praying for God's peace and comfort.

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Heartfelt condolences to the family. Robert and Dorothy Brooks

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Condolences to the family..

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Condolences to the family of Dr. Whittaker. We have fond memories of him and his family from his Dad being pastor at St. Mark Baptist Church in Maiden's,Va. Since those days it was always a pleasure to be in his presence whenever we saw him. Condolences to the family. Rest in Peace. Your job here on earth is complete..

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May God comfort you during this difficult time of bereavement.

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We would like to express our deepest condolences to Delores, Gina, Jacci, Joy and the entire Whitaker family. Pastor Emeritus Whitaker is now in the presence of the King. We thank God for his life and the friendship that was made. May God strengthen and comfort the family now and always. With much love, Mr. & Mrs. Thurman Bullock

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To the Whitaker family: I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you and I am praying for your strength. Love you all. Brenda Marriott

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Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish; Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel. Here bring your wounded hearts; here tell your anguish. Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal. We send our deepest sympathy to the Whitaker family with much love. May the peace and comfort of God be with you. From the White family of the late Deacon Samuel L White.

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Sending my condolences to the family. Love y'all Michelle Fuller Freeman

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My Heartfelt Condolences to Dr. Delores Whitaker and daughters on the loss of your husband and father. May God give you Strength, Comfort and Peace Beyond Understanding during this difficult time. Q Keith & Denice Burton

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My heartfelt condolences to the family.Faith doesn't always take away the pain but your faith will give you the ability to handle the pain. Much 💕 Gloria Carmichael.

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To Dr. Delores Whitaker and family I send GGmy deepest condolences with prayers. May you all be comforted in knowing that God is still in control and grant you peace today and always. Love Anne Pearl. 🙏♥️

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To Mrs. Whitaker and Family, the Mosley and Robinson family are so saddened to hear of our friend's passing and send our sincere condolences for your loss. We send our love to you and your family and are keeping you in our thoughts and holding you in our hearts. We pray for peace and comfort, to God be the Glory!

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Dear Mrs. Whitaker with heart felt sympathy for you and the girl at this time for the passing of one of God's servant, Pastor Whitaker. I know your heart is heavy, but try to rejoice that he is now singing for the Lord. His preaching and singing touch many lives in the church as well as out side the church. He was a faithful servant unto the Lord. If there is anything I can be of service to you, please feel free to call. With Love The Cephas Family

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Sincere condolences to the Whitaker familygmnh

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Sending my condolences to the family. Keeping all of y'all in my prayers Charlisa barksdale (William n Lucille fuller daughter)

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TO THE WHITAKER FAMILY: We are truly sadden to hear of the passing of Rev. Clifton Whitaker, Jr. To: Jean and Joyce, The "Lewis" Family (Family of the late Mrs. Rose Lewis Robinson, Mr. Milton and Marinda Lewis) wishes to express our sincerest and deepest sympathies in the passing of your brother, Cliff. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Life-long friends, Margaret, Anna, and Milton Jr.

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Mrs. Whitaker you have my heartfelt sympathy in the Home Going of Dr. Whitaker. We are truly going to miss his GOOD PREACHING and singing. He was a mentor and adviser when I needed advice and directions. God Bless and keep you in his care. Hazel Walker-Hobson

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So sorry to hear of the passing of Rev.Whitaker.To know him was to love and respect him. A true servant and preacher of God's word. He has surely heard the Father say,"well done." Sending prayers of comfort to Mrs. Whitaker,Gina, and family from your neighbors Linda and Ashley Clarke also Rev.Delores Booker and family

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So sorry to hear of the loss of Rev. Whitaker. To know him was to love and respect him. A true servant and preacher of God's word I know that he has heard from the Father, " well done." Praying for Mrs. Whitaker, Gina, and family. From the Your neighbors Linda and Ashley Clarke along with Rev.Delores Booker and family

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Dear Delores, You have our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of our friend and your husband. Please know that we will be praying for you and your family. love, Allen and Margaret Bailey

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To Dr. Dolores Whitaker & Family, we, The Williams Family wish to warmly express our sincerest deepest sympathies & heart felt condolences in the passing of your love one. Pastor Emeritus was simply the best. Our family Thanks God for the manys years (HE) allowed Pastor Emeritus to be with us as Pastor. Pastor Emeritus, was a caring, praying & sharing Man of God with a big heart. He will be missed greatly by us all. We're praying Gods hands of comfort, healing, love, peace & strength will be with each of you during this time of your bereavement. God bless you all. We love you. Yours in Christ, Deacon Sheila Williams & Family

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Dear Family, we wish to express our condolences due to the lost of Rev. Dr. Clifton Whitaker Jr. A great mentor and proclaimer of God's word! Learned much from his messages during a Revival Week about living according to the will of God. You are in our prayers too. Rev. Dr. Caroel L. Selby.

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To the Whitaker family, was so sadden to hear of my friend's passing. He was a good listener when I needed advice and encouragement. We at Star Fellowship will miss him as we were lookin forward to his coming to preach and sing again later this year, but now he is preaching and sing in Heaven. It's not good bye, but see you later

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My condolences to the family sorry for your loss doctor fly family beans of Heaven

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my condolences to the family. GOD Bless. willie coleman

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To Dr. Dolores Whitaker & Family, we, The Williams Family wish to warmly express our sincerest deepest sympathies & heart felt condolences in the passing of your love one. Pastor Emeritus was simply the best. Our family Thanks God for the manys years (HE) allowed Pastor Emeritus to be with us as Pastor. Pastor Emeritus, was a caring, praying & sharing Man of God. He will be missed greatly by us all. We're praying Gods hands of comfort, healing, love, peace & strength will be with each of you during this your time of bereavement. God bless each & everyone of you. We love y'all dearly. Yours in Christ, Deacon Sheila Williams & Family

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I am truly sadden to hear of the passing of my friend, spiritual brother, Seminary classmate and colleague. To the family of Dr. Whitaker his wife and daughters especially I lift you up in prayer. He was truly a great example of a servant. May the spriti of the Lord strengthen you and guide you in this season of your lives. In loving care, Rev. Dr. John E Johnson Jr.

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Heartfelt condolences to the Whitaker Family. May God comfort you during this time of bereavement.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA