Jean R. Whittaker

Jean R. Whittaker, age 96, of Greensboro, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021. Originally named Bronwen Jean Richards, she was born in Clydach, Wales. Jean met her husband, Robert L. Whittaker, during World War II, while he was serving in the navy. She came to America for the first time at the age of 18 to marry Robert and start a family. Jean was the only member of her family to move to America, and bravely made her voyage alone on the ocean liner RMS Queen Elizabeth.

She and her husband, Robert, lived in Peekskill, New York, where Jean taught preschool. Mrs. Whittaker was a talented and avid knitter throughout her life, and knitted countless sweaters, hats, scarves, socks, and gloves for her family and friends. She also knitted and donated items for those in need. She had a special love for babies, and perhaps her most prolific knitting was making hats and socks for newborns, which she knitted and donated to hospitals to use in the maternity ward. Jean continued to knit socks and hats for newborns, and donate them every year, into the last year of her life. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Jean was preceded in death by her son, Craig J. Whittaker (Virginia).She is survived by children, Robert Whittaker, Jr, and Wendy (Tom) Velotti; three grandchildren, Chelsea Whittaker, Daniel (Hazel) Whittaker, and Heather (Rocco) Carriero; and four great grandchildren, Ellis Whittaker, Eva Whittaker, Luca Carriero and Ella Carriero. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Greensboro Urban Ministry, 305 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC, 27406; or BackPack Beginnings, 3707-D Alliance Drive, Greensboro, NC, 27407.