Nadean Kirkland Whitaker was born April 7, 1927, in Rosedale, Oklahoma, the only child of Ed and Edna Kirkland. She attended Rosedale schools from which she graduated in 1945. That same year, she married the love of her life, Calvin Whitaker, who was her constant companion for 69 years until his death. Laughingly, she would say she married him for two reasons. First, he had a car, and second he came from a huge family of 14 siblings. Since Calvin’s death she had one prayer - “Lord, if is your time please take me to Heaven, but if not, let me continue to serve you.” God granted her request, and she’s now rejoicing in his presence.
She had many talents and hobbies. She loved to crochet. She would make things not for herself, but so that she could give them to others. Woodworking was also a treasured activity, except for the time she sawed not only the wood, but her finger nearly off. For many years Nadean and her mother operated a ceramic shop. That activity kept them together and was the basis for many lifelong friendships. Always an avid reader, she had to initial books so that she did not read the same one again. But her favorite reading material was her Bible, which she faithfully read every day.
Nadean retired from Deer Park Independent School District after serving for many years as the secretary of Lynchburg Elementary School. She never tired of recalling stories about “her kids”, which included every student who came though the school. She was also an excellent trainer of new principals. As well as working for DPISD, she also retired from Sears, where she once worked full time and later as a regular part-time employee.
Her love of family was legendary. She was never happier than when the family was together. Any holiday or event was a reason for the family to gather for a celebration. Family could not be together too often or too long. And not just her immediate family. She had more “adopted” grandchildren than are even possible to count.
Nadean was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by son, Joel Whitaker and wife Jan, grandson Jeff Whitaker and wife Mandi, granddaughter Jeri Rossi and husband Mitch. She is also survived by great-grandson Braden Whitaker and wife Brooke and great-granddaughter Karli Whitaker, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special “adopted children” Eiler Harrelson and Theresa Torres.
Her family would like to thank the staff of Rollingbrook Rehabilitation and Health Center for their loving care and concern for Nadean. She grew to love her “grandchildren” there, and they in turn took special care of her every need.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Rollingbrook Fellowship Church, 505 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, Texas 77521. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am with interment to follow in Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.navarrefuneralhome.com
