Carol graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago, Illinois in 1957. Shortly after graduating from high school, she moved to Wilberforce, Ohio to attend Central State University. There she met and married Robert L. Burton and moved to Springfield, Ohio. From their union, they were blessed with two sons, Bryant and Bruce Burton. In the years that followed, Carol worked as a claims administrator for the State of Ohio Bureau of Child and Family Services. She served as a member of the professional business association, Gamma Phi Delta Society-Alpha Nu Chapter and was an active member of Wiley Methodist Church in Springfield, OH.
Years later, Carol relocated to Rialto, California with her sons, Bryant and Bruce, and her second husband, Charles James. She was employed at St. Bernadine's Hospital as claims business analyst where she created many close friendships over her 25 years of service. As fate would have it, Carol subsequently met Ervin Whitfield, a manager at Blue Cross, though a health insurance resolution case. After multiple conversations over the phone they met and a friendship was born. As God would orchestrate their relationship, they were married on April 2, 1994 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lamar Foster. They were joined together in unity and full commitment to each other. Carol often spoke of "finding her soul mate in Ervin" and her love for him shined brightly to her last days.
Carol knew the Lord Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior since her childhood, and was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church since 1985. Carol has been a faithful servant to the Lord and her church family. She served on the New Hope MBC Usher Board for over 15 years and loved serving New Hope's congregation and visitors. Carol was a faithful tither and supported many church events and programs.
Carol was a faithful member of the order of the Eastern Star of California. She served in several star point positions, Conductress, Marshall in the East and Chapter Instructor. Carol was awarded the Eastern Star of the Year in 2010. She received many accolades from her Local Chapter and the California statewide Chapter.
Carol worked in the education and healthcare industries over her lifetime. Carol retired from St. Bernadine Hospital in August 2004 as a Claims Business Analyst.
Carol loved the Lord and was a Believer of Jesus Christ. She placed God first and foremost in her life. She prayed and believed God for her family and friends. Carol was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she made regular (weekly) phone calls to share into their lives.
Carol Ann Whitfield peacefully departed this life to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 1:20 am.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Blakey; siblings Leon (Tommi); Gwendolyn Werner; Raymond (Dorothy Jean); Harry (Irene); Harriet; Abner (Geraldine); June (Ernest) Simmons; Joseph; John (Hitsuko); and Antoinette Harper. Carol leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her loving and devote husband, Ervin; brother, Victor Blakey; sons, Bryant and Bruce; daughter-in-law Tanya; son and daughter-in-law Demond and Bebe Whitfield; and grandsons Terrence, Niko, Nile, Xavier, and Bryant. Carol also leaves in loving thought numerous nephews, great-nephews, nieces, great-nieces, sister-in-law Irene Blakey and many other relatives and friends.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17