Clarine V Whitaker

Clarine Edwards Whitaker lived a peaceful and useful life and was always ready and willing to help anyone in any way she could. She was an example of loving service, worthy of emulation, which tribute should bear some comfort to her son, daughter, grandchildren, and others who did all that they could for her comfort. However, when the sun of life reaches its zenith, with the brightness of a well-spent life, when the passing comes, we can only say that a beautiful life has ended. She resided on earth 87 years before transitioning to her new home, “...a house not made with hands, eternal life in the heavens.”

Clarine was born May 7, 1925, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Clarence Paul (CP) Edwards and Lenora Hollings Edwards, both of whom preceded her in death. Clarine was the only child born to this union.

Clarine was educated in the Fort Worth Independent School District and graduated from I. M. Terrell High School. Clarine moved to Dallas in the early 1950’s where she studied cosmetology and received her license as a Cosmetologist. She also attended and received a certificate from nursing school at Parkland Hospital in Dallas.

Clarine met Troy N. Whitaker, and the two united in Holy Matrimony. Two children were born to this union, Clarence and Akua “Carol.”

Clarine worked at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home (formerly known as Sparkman’s Mortuary) for over 30 years. She served as a Cosmetologist but fulfilled many roles.

Clarine united with the Greater New Zion Baptist Church on February 2, 1992, under the leadership of Rev. Joe S. Patterson. She was an inspirational woman of God. She loved the Lord, her Pastor, and her church, and supported all programs in the church. She attended all activities of the church. She was a Bible Study participant, an office assistant (when needed), and she called and visited the sick. She servied in many ministries: Mission (served our bereaved families), NTDA Congress, Pastor’s Aide, Pastor’s Appreciation Committee, Project Renovation, Sanctuary Choir-Soprano, Outreach Sunday School Class (secretary), and Family Institute of Churches.

Clarine’s community activities included: Charles Rice Neighborhood Association (served as President), Volunteer at the Voting Polls, Community Activist, Democratic Party, an advocate instrumental in Eric Johnson’s election as State Representative, in Carolyn Davis’ election as Councilmember-District 7, and in Betty Carter-Hooey’s Senior Affairs-District 7. Carine also worked with Code Compliance, Dallas Police Department, and City Manager’s office.

Clarine served as an active member in the following organizations: South Dallas Community Court, Clean South Dallas, Bertrand Neighborhood, Exline Advisory Board, Frazier Neighborhood Initiative, Unified South Dallas, and Weed & Seed with Hank Lawson.

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013, God whispered and said, “Come home my child and rest.”

Clarine leaves to cherish her love and memories: one son, Clarence of Dallas; one daughter, Akua Spears and husband Louie Spears of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Kardola (Tweedy) Whitaker, Chaz Whitaker Steel, and Clarence Whitaker, Jr. all of Dallas, and Cornell Spears and Rafiki Ebony Spears of Los Angeles; great-grandchildren, Jerdal Whitaker and Mekayla Frances of Dallas, and Jarel, Issiah, Maliki Jani, Nia Yabazz, and Nylah Spears all of Los Angeles; godchildren, Darlene Green and Patricia Brown; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends whom she loved dearly.