Janie Whitaker

Janie McDuffie Whitaker, 81, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2013. She was born July 18, 1932, in Geneva, Alabama to Henry Augustus McDuffie, Jr. and Odie Wise McDuffie. After graduation from Geneva High School she married Drew Whitaker, Sr. and they moved to Tallahassee to begin a family and start their professions. Janie had a long career that included Mobil Oil, FL Education Assoc., FL Dept. of Law Enforcement, and the FL House of Representatives where she retired as Committee Secretary for Higher Education. She made many lifelong friends through her work and involvement in various organizations that included Past President of the American Business Women’s Assoc. and Tallahassee Elketts and Circle Leader at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Janie was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Albert, Hamp, Hill, and Franklin McDuffie, and sisters Elizabeth Brooks, Nealie Strickland, and Vonzell Powell, and her loving husband of 47 years, Drew Whitaker, Sr. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Drew and Carol Whitaker, Jr., granddaughter Lyla (Travis) Widick, grandson Brandon Whitaker, and brother Billy (Sarah) McDuffie. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews , and close friends that she loved dearly.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Westminster Oaks, Health Center (second floor), for their loving and caring attention to Mom.