Bessie Lee Whitaker

Bessie Lee Whitaker was born in Shannon, NC on October 31, 1929 to the late David & Ann McMillan. She was the youngest of her siblings and the last to succumb to our enemy, Death. 1 Cor. 15:26. Bessie eventually moved to Fayetteville and married a military man. That union brought about 6 children. She married again to the love of her life, James E. Whitaker, bringing forth an additional son. She retired from AAFES as a Short-Order Cook at Pope Air Force Base after 20 years of service. Through her many relocation, Bessie was a devoted wife who regularly sought out a Spiritual Home and generously cared for many children. After a stroke in 2014, Bessie was bedridden and received the excellent care of her eldest daughter Jean McCormick. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 10th at 12:00 Noon in the Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Burial: Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

November 30th, her life ended and she left behind 5 daughters: Jean McCormick, Janet (William) Lowe, Stephanie Farrow, Joyce (Derick) Pye, and Inger Williams. Husband (James Whitaker), son (David Foster), and 2 Grandchildren (Nicole Williams & Nicholas Roy) preceded her in death. She also left behind 3 sons: Bernard Foster (Debra), Robert Foster (Doris), and Duane Whitaker (Marica). She also raised her sister’s grandchildren: Valda Dudley, Barbie Dudley and Loren Dudley (Priscilla). Bessie was blessed with 22 grandchildren: Angela Roy (Gene), Tabitha Robinson (Onnie), Marven Davis, Tamikia Foster, Shawn Davis (Demetria), Derick Pye Jr, Britton Farrow, Quentin Murphy, LaToya Foster, Keith Pye, Jeffrey Williams, Keena Pye, Stewart (Dacia) Whitaker, Duane (Danasia) Wardlow, Shay Farrow, Jasmine Williams, Brittany McCallum, Michael Foster, Terrence Foster, Trenton Foster, Monte Whitaker, and Nolan Whitaker; 32 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and two special, lifelong friends Jimmy & Edna Mitchell. 

Viewing will be held on Sunday December 9th from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Wiseman Mortuary Chapel.

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