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Obituary For Von Whitaker
Dr. Von Frances Best Whitaker, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community servant, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and love. She was born in New Bern, North Carolina, on January 18, 1950, to Cleveland and Lillie Best. Von's journey began in New Bern, but she moved to Long Island, New York, with her parents in second grade, where she continued her education
and began laying the foundation for her impactful life.
At the age of 12 she was baptized at the Mount of Olives Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn, New York. She was an active Sabbath School member, and she was also active in the Missionary Volunteers program, today known as AYS. In her early years, she played the organ for special programs in church. Von's faith was a guiding force throughout her life, inspiring her to serve others with grace and compassion. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Andrew and Frances Barrett Bryant, paternal grandparents, Willie and Delilah Best, beloved parents, several aunts and uncles, and her granddaughter, Ava Lily Whitaker, whose memory will forever be cherished.
Von developed a passion for nursing at an early age, becoming a candy striper at the local hospital. After graduating from high school in Long Island in 1968, she went on to pursue her college education at Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University) in Takoma Park, Maryland, where she graduated in 1972. Her academic journey did not stop there. Driven by the promise she made to her mother—influenced by her mother’s experiences during the Great Depression and World War II—she continued her education, earning a Master of Science degree in Community Health Nursing from the University of Maryland in 1974.
Von's commitment to education led her to teach at Howard University College of Nursing in Washington, D.C., and Coppin State College in Baltimore, MD. She furthered her studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Master of Science in Psychology in 1980 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social
Psychology in 1983. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau National Society of Nursing in 1980 and received numerous honors and awards throughout her academic career.
Her professional journey took her across the country and internationally, where she held various esteemed positions. She served as a professor at the University of Missouri- Columbia Sinclair School of Nursing, the University of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio, and as Assistant Dean at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s School of Nursing. She along with a colleague from John Hopkins were the primary investigators of a $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant. Von’s work was also recognized internationally, as she presented in places such as St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Spain, China, and Israel. Additionally, she was a panel member for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped develop clinical guidelines for managing functional impairment due to cataracts.
In addition to her teaching and academic accomplishments, Von was honored with numerous accolades, including being a Competent Toastmaster, an inductee into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and an inductee into the Great 100, Inc., North Carolina Registered Nurses. She earned recognition for her commitment to both nursing and community service, impacting countless lives through her work as a researcher, professor, and public servant.
Von leaves behind her loving husband, Dr. Roy Whitaker Jr., her son Attorney Roy Whitaker III (Dr. Latoya Whitaker) of Pearland, TX, and her cherished grandson, Roy Whitaker IV. She is also survived by her double first cousins, Gorgonia Best, Diane Best Bailey (Pastor Larry Bailey), and Alonzo A. Best, Jr., along with special first cousins Alfreda Collins, Von Bailey (Collins), and a host of relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
As we remember Dr. Von Frances Best Whitaker, we celebrate a life well-lived—one that was devoted to family, education, and the betterment of her community. Her enduring spirit will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate to know her. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will remain in the hearts of many.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12pm New Light Missionary Baptist Church 1105 Willow Road Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 11:30am. Burial will follow at Westminster Gardens 3601 Whitehurst Road Greensboro, North Carolina.
Live stream; www.nlmbc.com New Light Missionary Baptist Church facebook page or New Light Missionary Baptist Church YouTube page
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Barbara Bryant sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Von Whitaker - March 17, 2025
Debra Bradley sent Beautiful Dreams for Von Whitaker - March 17, 2025
Gary Rankin sent Pink Tribute Spray for Von Whitaker - March 16, 2025
John Wesley sent Traditional Floor Basket for Von Whitaker - March 16, 2025
Tariq Jah sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Von Whitaker - March 14, 2025
I extend my heartfelt condolences to each of you. Dr. Whitaker was one of my former nursing professors at NC A&T State University. She was not only my professor but she was a genuine friend. She will be remembered for her excellence involving community service and her educational devotion. May God bless each of you and heaven smile upon you.
I am Denise Dearman Sturdivant RN. I am from the class of 2005 at NCA@TSU with Dr Von Whitaker as my most respected and devoted professor. I began the nursing program as a non- traditional student and Dr Whitaker quickly recognized my needs and made herself available for my academic progress. Being a few years older than she was, she was always eager to listen to me and help me understand the trials and stressful times of being a nursing student at that stage of my life. Although I have not been in contact with her in several years, I still cherish the guidance and leadership she afforded me every time I think of her. She will surely stay in my heart as the most gracious and loving professor of all time.
With love from the Edwards family and friends, we honor Von Whitaker—an extraordinary trailblazer, devoted daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit and legacy live on in the lives she touched. May her unwavering love and the beautiful memories she leaves behind bring comfort and strength to all who gather here today. We celebrate her remarkable life and find peace knowing her light will continue to shine through you all and every life she touched. Celebrating Von Whitaker.
Edwards Family
To my Cousin Dr Roy Jr and Family, as I read the obituary of Dr Von Whitaker, what a beautiful legacy of love and compassion! May you all keep the light of Godly love that burned within the of Dr Von, continues to burn within all who knew and loved her! May God continue to strengthen and carry you through, 🙏🏾 you have our deepest condolences ♥️
Roy III, Toya and Roy IV.
We are praying for your family in the loss of your mother, mother in love and grandmother. Please remember that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I know that tomorrow will be a celebration of a life well lived and I will be with you all in spirit.
Debra Bradley and Family
Roy and Family,
We are sending our sincere condolences to you and your family. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Respectfully,
The Fitts Brothers Bruce and David Weldon NC and Durham NC
Dr Whitaker, Please accept our condolences for the loss of your beloved wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Sam & Shirley Williams
I worked at Cone Health Foundation when Von was a board member. My memories of Von are many, valued & wonderful. Von was always very gracious, an astute communicator & fashionably dressed. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
My heart goes out to the Whitaker family. Von was a loving friend of mine for 63 + years. We didn't talk everyday but we manage to keeping touch and kept up on each other's accomplishments, etc . We loved each other like sisters. She was like a member of the family. I will miss her.
Forever Remembered, Forever Loved. Sending heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathy to Dr. Roy Whitaker, Family, and Staff in the loss of Dr. Von Whitaker. May God's love surround and comfort you daily. Sincerely, Mrs. Fannie Vincent
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
