Gladys Louise Whitaker's Obituary
Gladys Louise Chaffin Whitaker was born September 1, 1921 in Waco, Texas and died Tuesday, July 22, 2008. A visitation will be held at Rader Funeral Home in Longview from 6 to 7:30 PM Friday, July 25. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 10 AM in the First Presbyterian Church, Longview, with Dr. W. D. O'Neal officiating. Entombment will follow in Rosewood Park Mausoleum.
Gladys moved with her parents, Ida Lynn and C. E. Chaffin, and two youngest sisters, Dorothy and Betsy, to Longview in 1931. She proudly graduated from Baylor University in 1942 with a double major in French and Education, and missed graduating with top honors by one point due to her memorable summer semester at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
In addition to lovingly caring for her family members, serving actively in the Heritage Bible Study Club and the High Hopes Garden Club, and attending the First Presbyterian Church, she enthusiastically pursued her life long interest in bridge and travel with her many good friends. She greatly enjoyed theater, the arts, the symphony, and continuing all aspects of her education.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, John C. Whitaker, and two children, son John Strength and wife Fran of Port Aransas, and daughter Mary Jan Stansell and husband Vance of San Angelo. Also surviving are her three grandsons, John Charles Strength of King of Prussia, PA, Jason Stansell and Kevin Stansell of Austin.
Gladys had requested that memorials be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Longview, Baylor University Collegiate Fund, or to the charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?