Nancy Vernon Whitman

August 29, 1950—January 11, 2026

and

FRANK EMMETT WHITMAN, JR.

March 20, 1949—January 15, 2026

Nancy Vernon Whitman died in Norfolk, VA, at the age of 75. She was born in Greensboro, NC, to Mary Rachel Vernon and James Richard Vernon. Nancy graduated from the Norfolk General Hospital School of Nursing. During her career she worked for Dr. Brewer, a cardiologist in Norfolk, VA, for many years, after which she worked as Head Nurse at Consultants in Internal Medicine in Norfolk, VA, until her retirement.

Frank Emmett Whitman, Jr. died in Norfolk, VA at the age of 76. He was born in Norfolk, VA to Katherine Antoinette Whitman and Frank Emmett Whitman, Sr. For his entire adult life, in addition to working in the Norfolk Public School System teaching music, as well as at Norfolk Academy, Frank worked in various churches around the area as an organist. In his final years, until the time of a stroke which led to hospital admission, he was the organist at Saint James Episcopal Church on Effingham Street in Portsmouth, VA. Frank graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, as well as a Master’s in Music. His two great loves were his wife of 52 years and music.

Frank and Nancy shared a love of music, and during much of Frank’s time as organist at various churches, Nancy could be heard singing beautifully in the choir. They were members of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Norfolk, VA. They were both involved in Masonic organizations beginning in their youths. Nancy was in Job's Daughters Bethel #33. Frank was in the Norfolk Chapter of DeMolay, also achieving Chevalier in that organization, as well as Corinthian Lodge #266.

Frank and Nancy are survived by Frank’s sister, Katherine Whitman Jamerson and her husband Leamon (Lee); his brother, Philip Henry Whitman and his wife Yong Sun; as well as nephews Scott C. Jamerson, Philip H. Whitman, Jr., and Kevin H. Jamerson and wife Tiffany, as well as many friends and neighbors at their apartment building in Norfolk.

A service to celebrate their lives will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church, 928 Effingham Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 on January 31, 2026, at 11am. A repast will be held after the service.