Geneva Whitaker

Geneva Whitaker, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 30, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, was born on November 14, 1938, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was the oldest daughter of JC and Clarice Hunter Jones. Geneva embodied strength, warmth, and an unwavering love for her family throughout her 86 remarkable years.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, having accepted Christ at a tender age through Centerpoint AME Church in Sparkman, and later becoming a member of Piney Grove AME Church in Arkadelphia. She was a dedicated janitor at both Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University, two institutions where her children and grandchildren would become graduates. Her work ethic demonstrated a profound balance of labor, family, and faith.

She married Charles Whitaker, and five children were born to this union. Although their marriage would end, they remained close friends and supportive parents. Geneva was a devoted matriarch, cherishing every moment spent with her family. Known for her infectious laughter and engaging stories, she relished family gatherings where she would connect with her loved ones, celebrating their achievements and sharing in their lives. A proud supporter of her children, she exuded love and encouragement, wildly when cheering for her grandchildren in sports, from football to basketball.

Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke that left her partially paralyzed, Geneva was a fighter. Through extensive rehabilitation, she regained her independence, driving and maintaining her cherished apartment until her health began to decline. Her determination inspired all who knew her, as did her capacity for fun and respect towards everyone she encountered.

She moved to Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center and quickly reigned as queen of the hallway and the front door. She knew most and watched all who would come and go. Geneva will be remembered for her impish spirit and resilience, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness.

As we gather to celebrate Geneva’s extraordinary life, we invite all who knew her to join us in paying tribute to a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, whose spirit will forever shine in our hearts. She is deeply missed, but her legacy of love and joy will continue to thrive in the lives of those fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, JC and Clarice Hunter Jones; her grandson, Dominic Lamorris Whitaker (July 4, 2010); her brothers, John Henry Jones and Gayle Jones (June 30, 2022); and a great-granddaughter, Adrianna S. Newborn (March 21, 2023).

Her light will forever shine in the heart of her children, Henry Charles Whitaker (Regina Hart) of Arkadelphia, AR, Oleater Quarles of Sparkman, AR, Sammy Whitaker (Barbara Delamar) of Houston, TX; Michael (Lorra) Whitaker of Arkadelphia, Carlos (Classina) Whitaker of Houston TX; and Haja (Jacqueline) Newburn of Arkadelphia; their father, Charles Whitaker of Sparkman; Kendall Quarles her oldest grandchild she raised like a son; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She also leaves her beloved sisters Venetta Bullock and Queenie (Carl) Cooks; two brothers, Clydell (Lillie) Jones and Willie E. Jones, all of Arkadelphia; her sisters-in-law, Louise Jones and Bessie Whitaker; a close friend, Lady Bell Barker, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Active pallbearers will be Kendall Quarles, Adrian Whitaker, Todd Whitaker, Shunn Newborn, Latavious Johnson, Jaxon Whitaker, Jase Whitaker, Keenan Whitaker, and Kendrick Whitaker. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Whitaker, Arthur Whitaker, Robert Whitaker, Jeffery Whitaker, David Whitaker, Calvin Whitaker, Kenneth Whitaker, Gene Whitaker, Willie Eason, Louis Butler, Kirk Jones, Brian Whitaker, Orlando Whitaker, Jason Bullock, Erik Bullock, Richard Smith, Sammy Delamar, Ray Delamar, Clyde Delamar, Eldridge Jones, Gale Jones Jr., and Chris Jones.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2025, from noon until 4:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. The family will greet and receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Piney Grove AME Church. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The interment will be at Piney Grove Cemetery.

To order flowers, please call Mary & Martha’s Florist at 870-246-2446. Send resolutions via fax to 870-260-5929 or by email to williams.hm@sbcglobal.net