Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker Obituary in Tallahassee at Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker.

Mother Estelle Riley Whitaker, 95, finished her earthly course, surrounded by loving family on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents, William A. and Willie B. Riley; husband, John Henry Whitaker, Sr.; daughter, Patricia Whitaker Porter; and siblings, John L. Riley, Lawrence C. Riley, William C. Riley, Eula L. Rollins, and Barbara J. Riley.
Mother Whitaker was born in Ft. Valley, Georgia, and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. She received her education through the Leon County public school system. She confessed Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she has been a life-long member. Her career as a Nurse's Assistant spanned many years, beginning at Florida A&M Hospital and culminating in her retirement from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Throughout her tenure, she lovingly cared for countless infants.

Mother Whitaker was known for her nurturing spirit, which extended beyond her family to all she encountered. She will be forever remembered for her wisdom, inspiring presence, sharp wit and sass, elegant style and unwavering love for the Lord.

Left to cherish her love and legacy are her nine children: Henry C. (Rosetta) Whitaker, Tallahassee, FL; Charles E. (Cynthia) Whitaker, Thomasville, GA; Rev. Dr. Alphonso B. (Angela) Whitaker, Margaret A. Whitaker, Norris L. Whitaker, Byron B. (Brenda) Whitaker, John H. (Janice) Whitaker, Jr., all of Tallahassee, FL; Rev. Dr. Terry L. (Zina) Whitaker, Albany, GA; Barry E. Whitaker, Port Orange, FL; four siblings, Lettie M. Riley, Tallahassee, FL; Alfred J. Riley, Orlando, FL; Allen W. (Velinda) Riley and Morris L. (Della) Riley, both of Tallahassee, FL; and a host of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Old West Florida Enrichment Center, 2344 Lake Bradford Road in Tallahassee, FL. with burial at Southside Cemetery. Public viewing will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 17, 2025 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker.

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Shelton Marshall sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker - January 16, 2025

Our sincerest condolences to the Whitaker Family. Praying your continued strength and healing during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Shelton Marshall, Esq. & Family

Send flowers for Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker

Joni Cotton sent Sweet Tranquility Basket for Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker - January 15, 2025

We Love You Momma Whit! Rest easy 'Lil Bit'! From Joni Cotton and your grands - Jahvon Whitaker and Janay Desir

Memories to Treasure was sent for Mrs. Estelle Riley Whitaker - January 15, 2025

Byron & Brenda and family you have my deepest condolences. God Bless you and remember God loves her best.

Twanna Jones

To my dear sweet Estelle, beautiful memories of our family life will forever live in my heart. I miss you deeply. Take your rest from the life down here, and rest internally in Gods loving arms. Your sweet spirit and smile will never be forgotten. Love you my sweet angel and my dear cousin. May God strengthen and bless my family always. Mrs. Dorothy Pye and Family

❤️ Heartfelt condolences Taras Stokes

Our deepest condolences and love and prayers from the Stokes Family!

Condolences to the family . With deepest sympathy Catherine Clark and family.

To the Whitaker❤️Family, you have our deepest sympathy,prayers and love. Take care. Stay strong. God bless. And may her soul rip.🕊 Sending our condolences💐 Sincerely, The Stokes & Riley Family🌹

Love you auntie.

My condolences to the family.Praying that God will give you strength during your time of bereavement. Gail Rogers

So SADD to hear of Auntie passing💙.. not too long b4 January 7th ...we visited.. ,sat,laughed ,praised the Father ,loved on her and enjoyed each other's company.❤️ She was a Woman of true Faith and Love . We must follow her prime ,exquisite example.Now...Family be Encouraged, Prayful and Strong! No Regrets! Let God ,the Father be your guide,strength forward. Auntie , your Mom, your Grandmom, your Sister wants best for you and understands.Unfortunately..she gone too soon for most ,gone ahead of you ,now your guardian angel . Auntie is now once again with Big John ( her main squeeze);) ♡.xoxo.🙏🏽 Whileall along she is missing you all TERRIBLY! Keep faith high! Love one another as Christ does. And know our Auntie Estelle loved you each "MORER" and so Never forget all she taught you & shared with you! She was indeed a Mother Angel🤱🏽. RIP Auntie! I MISS U SORELY!!!😭 U WERE ONE OF MY STRENGTHS AND INSPIRATIONS! I WILL NEVER FORGET ALL U SHARED WITH ME!!!🤗🥰. I may not get to visitur house and talk on phone as we did so many times,but I'll Never forget or stop crying or smiling because I was blessed to have you as my Auntie! Thank you Father ,God 4 Auntie Estelle and Family I'm birthed in❣️💯💚 God is good. Take care Family. Stay close to YAHWEH. He is our every reason to be. He is our foundation to prosper . ~✌🏽 Meshalle Riley Denmark Stokes

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

Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc. | Tallahassee, FL