Lillian Geraldine “Gerry” Whitaker, 88, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Seventh & James Baptist Church, 602 James Avenue, Waco, with Rev. Erin Conaway officiating. A private burial at Oakwood Cemetery will precede the service.

The visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Boulevard, Waco.

Gerry was born July 7, 1929 in Franklin, NC. As a child, she grew up in Franklin, NC and later Gastonia, NC. At 24 she met a young serviceman named Harry Whitaker and after three dates they were engaged to be married. Their 59-year union began on August 28, 1954 in Gastonia. In 1955 they welcomed their first child, Leigh Angela, into the world in Montgomery, AL. In 1959, their second child, Roger Nelson, was born in Waco and in 1961 their third child, Robin Keith, was born in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Gerry lived a full life. As the wife of an Air Force Master Sergeant she traveled and moved many places including North Carolina, Germany, and Texas. They settled in Waco where she managed the Comal Cottons store and then Baylor University. Gerry worked in the Cashier’s Office of the Telephone Collections department at Baylor for 19 years, retiring in 1998.

She has many interests including gardening (both floral and vegetable), and was a talented seamstress who made clothing for her children and her grandchildren. She also loved square dancing with her husband Harry, and was active at the local dance hall for 25 years,

Gerry also made time to be involved in the community. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels locally for over a decade and was an active member of Seventh & James Baptist Church. Recently she was able to combine her skills as a seamstress with her desire to help others, and after viewing a news program about a lack of clothing for children overseas. Gerry made dresses to send to those in need.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Leigh; and son, Roger.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her son Rob and his wife Pamela; five grandchildren, a great-grandson, and countless friends who will fondly remember times with her.

Flowers may be sent to OakCrest Funeral Home or make donations to Meals on Wheels or Seventh & James Baptist Church.

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