Willie Mae Whitbeck Obituary (1930

Willie Mae Sulena Whitbeck, known to her family and friends as Willie passed on to her eternal rest at the age of 82 in Norwalk, Connecticut on July 18, 2012 at the Norwalk Hospital. She was born in Camden, South Carolina March of 1930. She was a License Practical Nurse having worked at the Norwalk Hospital and for the Norwalk School system as a school nurse at Norwalk High School until her retirement. Mrs. Whitbeck was a charter member of the Norwalk Seventh Day Adventist Church and the first female to become an Ordained Elder. In addition she served her church as a Sabbath School teacher and took joy in working with young people, which included volunteering at the after school program at Nathaniel Ely. She was a graduate of the Class of 1949 from Mather Academy which was located in Camden, South Carolina, graduate of Bullard Haven in Bridgeport for her nursing credentials, and a graduate and recipient of an Associates Degree from the Norwalk Community College 1992. Her love of and commitment to duties for her church came first in her life, but other joys that were a part of her life were continuing to learn and self-educate, reading, singing, playing her organ, crocheting and finding a good conversation. Mrs. Whitbeck was the embodiment of the Can Do spirit, and strived to share this spirit of encouragement with all who were a part of her life. She leaves to Celebrate her Life a daughter Alberta Lee Hawkins, a sister Eliza Thomasina Jacobs and brother-in-law James Jacobs of Norwalk and a step daughter Laura Edwards Dismukes (Augustus) of Florida. Step-son Francis Whitbeck (Evelyn). Also, six grandchildren; Tameca Hunter (Cory) of Norwalk and Joy Achoki (James) of West Haven. Angelina, Gregory, Cynthia and Diane Whitbeck. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren; David Lemont, Corissa and Corinna Hunter of Norwalk; and Georgiana and Jasmine Achoki. Two devoted nephews Lars and Charles Murchison of Norwalk and devoted family friend Kathy Williams of Norwalk and Vinny Gurganus of Bridgeport. Cousin Booker T. Jefferson of Washington, DC; and Sister in-law Janie Tillman and nieces and nephews Millicent, Cheryl, Beverly, Ernestine, Norman, Cynthia, Ernest and Isaac Tillman. Friends who shared the last leg of her journey Pat Pontbriant, Ora Scott, and Emma Nance. Mrs. Whitbeck is pre-deceased by her husband Thomas Whitbeck; parents Willie and Lillie B. Tillman; two brothers, James and Ernest Tillman; and her beloved four legged companions Mittens and Robyn. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at 11am at Norwalk 7th Day Adventist Church, 101 South Main Street, Norwalk, CT. Calling hours from 10am until time of services. Interment in Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk, CT. Arrangements entrusted to Baker Funeral Services, 84 South Main Street, Norwalk, CT.