Mrs. Virginia Lucile Whittaker

Virginia Lucile Richardson was born on July 17, 1927 in Muskegon, Michigan. She was born from the union of James and Sylvia Richardson. She was the youngest out of three beautiful girls. Virginia and her family moved to Gary, Indiana at an early age and she received her education and graduated from Gary Public Schools. Virginia accepted Christ at a young age while going to church with her parents at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana. In her young adult years, Virginia had interests in fashion, sewing, doing hair, having fun and Leon ... So soon began the courtship of Virginia and Leon that span across the years and across the states oflndiana and Wisconsin. During this time, she also received her cosmetology license which she was very proud of. She was most proud of having her baby boy Raymond and marrying Leon. They were married for 62 years. Virginia and Leon finally settled in Milwaukee with their young son, Raymond, and this is where they would live out their lives together. Virginia soon found work as a sewing machine operator because of her skill with sewing. The young couple was very much a part of the African American community. Although her love of making beautiful clothes remained, she would soon find employment at Johnson Controls. With Johnson Controls came financial relief and a better way to provide for herself and her family. Virginia was dedicated to making life easier and soon saved up enough money to buy a house which was a wonderful surprise to her husband and son. Also during this time, Virginia was led by Christ to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in the 1950s. She became an usher and faithfully served New Hope for 50 + years. She would go on to attend many church conventions around the country representing New Hope and attending Christian education sessions. During her later years, she retired early from Johnson Controls in the 80's to take care of Leon. Virginia's love of making things continued. She loved to sew fabulous outfits for herself, her granddaughter, family and friends. In addition to being a great cook and bowler, she took up hobbies in making dolls, pottery, crocheting, and whatever her heart desired. She joined the Rosette Dancers while there and enjoyed performing. Virginia loved entertaining, travelling, taking cruises and going on road trips with Leon, family and friends. She loved spending time with her great-grandson, Kacey. She lived life to the fullest when she was able, called "the shots" and did it her way. She will forever be known for her classic one liners. She loved fine clothes and looking fine in them! As a faithful servant to the Lord, she was called to rest on September 18, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sylvia Richardson; husband, Leon Whittaker; son, Raymond Whittaker; and sisters; June Flack and Dorothy Wade. Her fond memories will forever be cherished by her loving granddaughter, Stephanie (John) Whittaker-McKinney; great- grandson, Kacey Kenneth Whittaker Collins; daughter-in-law, Adrea Whittaker; step-grandchildren, Darryl Hopson, Terrell Hall, Tardarius Hopson, Nijia Spivey and Jasmine Hopson all of Milwaukee Wisconsin; a special niece, Stella Wade from Phoenix Arizona; along with a host of loving relatives, and dear friends.

Mrs. Virginia Lucile Whittaker

July 17, 1927 - September 18, 2016