Vaulda Whiddon

Vaulda lived a long life through many historical events and social changes – two world wars, men walking on the moon, changes in telephone communication from central exchanges to cell phones, and the replacement of adding machine and typewriters by computers. She could recall horses and buggies on the downtown streets of Tallahassee.

She was born in Leon County on January 12,1918 and attended local schools including the Bradfordville School which is now a historical building and County Community Center. Vaulda was the first person in her family to graduate from college with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State College for Women in 1941.

She was a talented seamstress and sewed tents for the WWII effort and made costumes for the FSU Flying High Circus in the early 1950s. Vaulda obtained a master’s degree in business education from Florida State University in 1960. She was the first accounting director for Tallahassee Community College and retired in 1982. Vaulda was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church.

Vaulda was predeceased by her parents, Mainor S. Poppell, Sr. and Claudia Brady Poppell; seven of her siblings; husband, Frank Miller; son, Claude Scott Whiddon; and her sister-in-law, Faye Miller Pace. She is survived by her children, Donna M. Berryman, Farr Miller, and Russell Whiddon (Charlene); grandchildren, Jon Berryman (Caroline), Victoria and Pierce Whiddon, and Luke (Mason) and Logan Hill; great grandchildren, Brandon and Morgan Berryman; and sister, Thelma Edenfield. She also is survived by eleven nieces and nephews.

The family is holding a private graveside service at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church later this month. If you would like to remember Vaulda, the family requests donation to Children’s Lighthouse Home, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309 or a charity of choice.