Dr. Wilbert S. Whitaker

field of education, with 26 of those years with the Los Angeles Unified School District, Dr.

Whitaker “retired” from the LAUSD in 1990. Not content with simply sitting around during

retirement, he joined the faculty at California State University, Los Angeles for several more

years serving as a Professor in their Teacher Education Program.

Born in Cincinnati Ohio on November 18, 1927, to Willie and Rosie Whitaker, he was the youngest of four children, following his twin brother Willie by only 10 minutes. He graduated from Central Vocational High School in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1944. He continued his education at Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics in 1949.

After receiving his degree, Whit joined the army where he was quickly promoted to Master Sergeant while stationed in Germany during the Korean War. After moving to California in 1968, Whit continued his studies at Cal State LA, where he received his Masters of Arts in

Administration and Supervision. His ultimate goal lay just ahead as he soon completed his formal education by earning his Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Southern California. In addition, as the recipient of numerous grants of study from the National Science Foundation, he engaged in post graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and the University of California at Los Angeles, the University of Northern Colorado and Mt. Saint Mary’s University.

Dr. Whitaker travelled to 43 of the 50 states and six of the seven continents.

He was consistently active in community organizations with memberships in COBA (Council of Black Administrators) the Urban League, the NAACP, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club and several Chambers of Commerce. He served proudly on the Board Directors of the National Cancer Society and as President and Treasurer of the Diplomat Homeowners Condominium Association.

In his spare time, Dr. Whit enjoyed playing bridge, solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles, watching Trojan football, Dodgers baseball and the Lakers. On most Saturdays, you would find him cycling on his familiar route from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach, while planning his next international destination.

His twin brother Willie and sister Eunice preceded him in death, but Dr. Whit is survived by his eldest sister, Nancy Moody of Cincinnati, Ohio; his son, Attorney Ronald S. Whitaker (Carol), his daughter, Dr. Jacqueline Whitaker Sapp, grandchildren: Justin, Christopher, Lauren and Chelsea; nieces, nephews, godchildren and a host of beloved family and friends.