Marguerite Whitaker

Marguerite “Marg” Sanders Whitaker, daughter of Sallie Turner Sanders Reading and Juanita “Warren” Sanders, was born September 8, 1923, in Annada, Missouri. She was the third of six children raised by her parents in Quincy, Illinois.

After graduating from Quincy High School, Marguerite married Leroy Edward Whitaker on April 5, 1941. Their marriage produced three sons, Chauncey (deceased), Carland and Creston. The Whitakers moved their young family to Jacksonville, Illinois in 1954. Leroy and Marguerite owned a sanitation service and Marg was the chief accountant and bookkeeper for more than 35 years. After they sold the business, Marg continued to work for the City of Jacksonville in an administrative role in the city clerk’s office. She retired from that position a few years before Leroy and Marguerite relocated to Dallas in 2002.

While in Jacksonville, Marguerite led an active life with her husband, children and grandchildren. She supported Leroy’s involvement with St. John’s Masonic Lodge #9 and the family were faithful members of Mt. Emory Baptist Church for more than 40 years. She was an ardent supporter of school sports, programs and activities for her sons and their children. Marg and Leroy always opened their home to extended family members. The Whitakers reared and mentored numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Marg was gifted with a multitude of skills and talents. She was a master bridge player who played club and tournament bridge. She was a card sharp at Tonk, Canasta and Rummy—talking much trash. Marg could sew, crochet, knit, quilt and make ceramic pottery. She designed and crafted beautiful holiday wreaths for Christmas and Easter. She owned her own kiln and crafted treasures that are cherished by family members.

Marg traveled the world—Alaska, Hawaii, the Holy Land and Australia. She cruised often with her sisters and extended family members. She delighted in family reunions in Illinois, Missouri, California, Texas, Georgia, Washington DC, Mexico, and more.

While in Dallas, Marg delighted in being closer to her sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. She eagerly welcomed visits from her Jacksonville-based grandchildren and extended family.

After 98 wonderful years of life, Marguerite Whitaker’s prayers were answered when she transitioned into Jesus’ presence on April 11, 2022.

Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, Juanita Sanders and Sallie Reading; her sister, Willyne Thomason; brothers, Curtis Sanders and Rudolph Sanders; her son, Chauncey Whitaker; granddaughter, Crystal Whitaker; and daughters-in-law, Audra Whitaker (Carland) and Arlinda Whitaker (Creston). Leroy Whitaker, her husband of nearly 74 years, preceded her in death on January 28, 2015. She is survived by sisters, Shelly Daniels and Eloise Washington; sons, Carland and Creston; eight grandchildren; a host of great-, and great-great-grandchildren; eight nieces; three nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and many more who she claimed as close family. Marguerite Sanders Whitaker will be remembered for her strong faith in Jesus, her unwavering integrity and her generous, loving, heart.