"Rosa" Marie Whitaker was born December 6, 1927 to the late Reverend Robert Carter and Rosa Everette Norman of Washington County. She departed this life on May 29, 2013 in a restful, beautiful sleep.

She grew up in Washington County and joined Shiloh Church of Christ at an early age. Marie was the fifth oldest of eleven children. She married the late Albert Fleecy Whitaker, Sr. on May 25, 1948. To this union six children were born.

"Ri" as she was affectionately called by her sister Mary Lee, was known as an excellent cook and dedicated homemaker. She enjoyed quilting, making arts and crafts, sewing, and family gatherings during the holidays. She also worked at a few local establishments which included Mattamuskeet Seafood and Rose Bay Oysters.

She leaves to cherish her memory: five children- Dr. Albert Whitaker, Jr. (Jeanette)-Belmont, NC., Thomas L. Whitaker (Betty)- Fairfield, NC., Carol Whitaker Fields (David)- Plymouth, NC., Terry D. Whitaker (Sally- friend)- Plymouth, NC., Dexter A. Whitaker(Ericka)- Hope Mills, NC.; brother- Jimmy Norman (Juanita)- Atlanta, NC.; three sisters- Viola Norman- Roper, NC., Lillian Norman- White Plains, NY., Sadie Thomas- Norfolk, VA.; and fifteen grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends (specifically Mellie Burns, Sarah Spencer, both of Fairfield, NC and JoAnne Russell of Plymouth, NC).

She was preceded in death by one daughter- Barbara Whitaker Baldwin; three brothers- George, Henry, and Thomas Norman; four sisters- Mary Lee Norman, Ilene Bell, Gladys Blakely, and Helen Stafford.

Funeral services were 1:00PM Tuesday June 4, 2013 at Toodle's Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Roy Selby of Faith & Truth World Outreach Ministries; Washington, NC., officiating. Burial followed in Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, NC.