Amietta Delores "Dotye" Whitaker

Amietta Delores Whitaker was born on June 14, 1943, in McMinnville, TN. She was the second born daughter to Thomas and Georgia (Brown) Officer. She often shared stories of her childhood wherein she and her sister, Patricia spent carefree days living a farmgirl life. Her spiritual upbringing and love of the Lord guided her to being baptized at the age of 12 at the Jackson Street Church of Christ in Nashville, TN.

When it was time, Amietta, known as “Delores” or “Dotye” to most, attended NCI (Nashville Christian Institute). She was the very first student to complete kindergarten through 12th grade at NCI and upon graduation, attended Southwestern Christian College. There, her angelic voice stood out and she sang many solos for the world renowned chorus and ensemble groups.

Upon graduation from SWCC, Delores attended Abilene Christian College (Now Abilene Christian University) where she majored in Speech Therapy. Delores was a member of the first integrated class at ACC and has told of the struggles associated with the civil rights movement and her acceptance at what was before her, an all-white campus.

It was in Abilene that she met Glynn Whitaker at a gospel meeting and, though there were many, many suitors, she was swept off her feet by the young military man. After an incredibly brief engagement, Delores and Glynn were married and with only 9 hrs left towards her BA in English, Delores abandoned her education in favor of a military lifestyle with Glynn.

A year later, Delores gave birth to the couple’s first child, Glynn Jr. Two years later, while stationed in Phoenix, AZ they welcomed their first daughter, Patricia and several years later, while stationed overseas, in Germany, Teresa was born. Glynn’s son, Amadeus “Ross”, rounded out the Whitaker Family.

Many years later, the family was devastated by the drowning death of Glynn Jr. in a swimming accident while on a youth retreat in Yosemite National Forest. This tragedy, coupled with the disintegration of her marriage marked the low points in Delores’ life. However, this “woman of sorrow” as her name indicates, had incredible strength and love and faith in God. It was this strength and love that we all witnessed in her everyday life.

And with the births of her grandchildren, her entire countenance was lifted! She dedicated the second part of her life to nurturing and caring for those children that she viewed possibly, as a second chance at happiness. She gave her all to their care and each one of them would likely attest to the fact that they are surely “her favorite”.

Delores has left her family a legacy of pure love and an example of self-sacrifice and dedication to God and His Word. She seemed to make an impact on all whose lives she came into contact with, and we all look forward to being with her again, in the “sweet by and by”.

She leaves behind, to grieve her loss, her daughters Patricia (Larry) Nunley and Teresa (Gene) Topping, her step-son Amadeus (Guinevere) Pittman; Her grandchildren Jazmine, Amadeus Jr, Corey, Geena, Alexes, Destiny, Thomas, Mia, Heaven, Trinity, Serenity, Jillian and Kylie; and great grandchild, Allyssa; Her sister, Patricia (Jack) Evans, and the entire Evans Clan; and her many brothers and sisters in the faith, especially those at AFCOC.