Roberta Raithel Whitfield

Roberta Ann Raithel Whitfield crossed over on November 1, 2021. She was born May 1, 1935, in Paragould, Arkansas to Dorothy Kitchens Raithel and Albert Lawrence Raithel, Sr. joining her adored siblings Al and Jean. Her parents instilled a love of travel early as the family moved from Paragould, to Miami, then San Antonio, and finally Richardson for her father’s job as a Federal Drug Agent. Settling in Richardson, she graduated high school then attended SMU graduating with both a BA and MA. She taught school for seven years, before signing on with the Texas Education Agency as a Geographer. Her job required her to travel and Roberta loved it. She discovered hidden talents for climbing mountains, hunting, and wrangling cattle. In Austin, she led her nieces and nephews on adventures, cared for her mother and loved her family. She often visited her brother Al and his adored family wherever they were stationed

Roberta met the love of her life, the Rev. Raymond P. Whitfield at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin. They married in 1982 and Roberta added a new family to her heart. Roberta and Ray spent the next thirty-six years serving churches around Texas and in Petersburg England, serving as chaplain and needle point instructor on cruises, and traveling the world. Their children often accompanied them on these adventures. Ray taught Roberta to sail and they learned to snorkel. Roberta would send postcards to everyone in her large family from wherever they went. She and Ray knew how to have a good time and encouraged those around them.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, sister, brother, nephew Robert and her beloved Ray. She is survived by Susan & Brett Cotham, Will Spence, Terry & Bill Young, Ida Ellis, Charlotte & Steve Knight, Larry & Tenley Raithel, Steve & Rosa Whitfield, Paula & Parker Jameson, Greg & Robin Whitfield and a multitude of grandchildren, great-nieces and nephews and their children.

Roberta never met a stranger and strived to be positive in a broken world. She would always say hello and often broke into song and at times dancing. She loved her Lord, her husband and her family. We all have our favorite Roberta stories and miss her greatly. She left us a legacy of love and adventure. Her family would like to thank Lakeisha Swan, Emilia Nkala, Lisa Limuel and Pansy Sobers for their care of her.

The celebration of her life will be held at St. Luke’s on the Lake, 5600 Ranch Road 620 North Austin, TX, 78732 on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at 10am with internment to take place at a later date.

Due to COVID, masks are strongly requested. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Roberta to St. Luke’s or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishsouth.com for the Whitfield family.