On April 15, 2024 at 1:30 P.M., Rachel Irene Whitaker was called home to live with our Heavenly Father. Rachel was born November 10, 1934 in Yorktown, VA. She was the second of nine children born to the late Moses Brown, Jr., and Gladys Slade Brown. She accepted Christ at an early age at New Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown, VA. She was a graduate of Yorktown Training School where she met many lifelong friends. She met and married the love of her life, the late Early Whitaker, Sr., and from this union six children were born. At the age of thirty-four, she tragically lost her husband to a car accident. This phenomenal loving mother raised her six children almost by herself with the help other awesome women in her life, also completing the building of the family home.

Rachel worked many years at Haywood Forrest Seafood in Seaford VA. In 1969 she was hired by the York County School Board where she worked as a custodian at Grafton Bethel Elementary School and then moved to Mt. Vernon Elementary when it opened. Rachel retired in 1999 after 30 years of service. She enjoyed many friendships and attending luncheons with all the retirees from Mt. Vernon Elementary School.

Rachel was child of God and loved serving God's people wherever she was needed. She was faithful and an active member at New Bethel Baptist Church where she sang in the Senior Choir, T.R. Massey Chorus, and Mass Choir. She served in the Missionary Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Women's Day Committee, Pastor Aide's Society, Women's Fellowship, Jadie. S. Covington Thursday Noon Day Bible Class, Member-At-Large, Vacation Bible School, and any activities at the church until her health no longer allowed her to be as active. When she was no longer able to attend services in person, she watched services on our church social media sites.

Rachel was a great cook and was known for her potato salad, fruitcakes, pound cakes and anything she cooked. We were blessed to have the privilege of spending time with her in the kitchen learning some of her recipes. Some of her happiest moments were when all the family gather at her home for birthdays, holidays, or any reason to share a meal. Everyone that came through her doors was treated and loved as one of her children. We, her children, grandchildren, siblings, church members and friends will miss her sweet spirit, her love for us all and her daily phone calls immensely.

Rachel was preceded in death by her great granddaughter Adriana Williams, her sisters Nannie Pennie, Eva Dillard, Gladys Holland, Ophelia (Ann) Talton, and Ceceila Whitby.

Rachel leaves to cherish her memories, her children, Aaron Whitaker (Debra) of Newport News Va, Early Whitaker (Lydia) Yorktown, Va., Connie Young (Lionel) Hampton, Va., Linda Taylor (Calvin) Newport News Va., Karen Whitaker, Clayton Whitaker (Tina Krachla) both of Yorktown, Va. eight grandchildren, Tasha Isbell (Jodie), Charles Whitaker (Tameka), Telicia Saunders (Eugene), Cassondra Hanks (Robert), Ericka Whitaker, Brittany Whitaker, Kristina Taylor Reese (Cordell), and Ashley Taylor; thirteen great-grandchildren, four great-great children, two sisters, Mildred Nettles, Laura Banks, both of Newport News Va.; one brother Moses Brown, III (Leontine); sisters-in-law, Alfreda Wynder of Newport News, Va., Sandra Whitaker, Gail Hinmon, Elaine Wilmore, Nancy Boone and one brother-in-law Darryl Whitaker. Her lifelong friends Helen Richardson, Delores Beavers, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, Va. 23601. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 PM on Thursday April 25, 2024 at New Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown, Va. 23693. Interment will be in the church cemetery following the service.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home