Tommye Loraine Whitaker

Tommye Loraine Whitaker, maiden name Wells, lived in Kalamazoo, MI to the age of 94. She passed away peacefully in her sleep November 5th at her home in Story Point Portage.

Tommye's life began in Jackson, Tennessee August 11th, 1929. She was born to her mother Enola Tillman. 

Tommye grew up with her mother picking cotton on a farm. They were poor but had wonderful aunts and uncles around to help raise her.

She attended K-12 school in Arkansas where she was a top student and was the first in her family to attend college. It was there she met William Stanley Whitaker. They fell in love immediately, dated during college and were married in Arkansas.

Tommye gave birth to her first son William Stanley Whitaker Jr. in Arkansas. His birth was followed by his brother Russell Alan Whitaker and sister Faren Kay Whitaker. After the birth of Stanley the young family moved to Kansas in pursuit of work. Once there, Stanley made connections in the construction business which brought the family to Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1951.

As a mother Tommye, AKA Tom the Mom, was SUPERMOM! She was the best of what a loving mother could be and was loved very much.

Nothing was more important to Tommye than her grandchildren, Angela Whitaker Schmidt, William Stanley "Chip" Whitaker III, Nathan Whitaker, Collin Whitaker and Ben Whitaker. Tommye was fortunate enough to celebrate the birth of her great grandchildren as well, Miles Schmidt, Haven Schmidt and William Stanley Whitaker IV.

A visitation will be held at Redmond Funeral Home, Kalamazoo, Friday November 10, 2023 from 11 am – 12 pm with a service following at 12 pm. 

Charity donations can be made to The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.