Matthew Whitaker (AUGUSTA, Ga.)

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Deacon Matthew Whitaker, Sr., was born to the late Reverend James Whitaker, Sr., and LueElla Beard Whitaker, Sr., on May 10, 1938. Deacon Matthew Whitaker, Sr., passed away after an extended illness on October 18, 2008. Deacon Matthew Whitaker, Sr., served as a member of the US Airforce and was the owner of Matthew Whitaker Ceramic Tile Service of Augusta. He was the former manager of The Mighty Gospel Believers. Deacon Matthew Whitaker joined Macedonia Baptist Church at an early age and later became a deacon and member of the male chorus. Deacon Matthew Whitaker was presently a member of Clark Grove Baptist Church where Reverend Dr. Fred D. Lawson, Sr., is pastor. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008 from 7:00 until 9:00PM at Clark Grove Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM on October 25, 2008 at the Macedonia Baptist Church on Baston Rd., where Reverend George A. Smith is the pastor. The Repass and burial will be at Clark Grove Baptist Church in Columbia County immediately following the service. Deacon Matthew Whitaker, Sr., is survived by a wife, Sarah Collins Whitaker; a son, Matthew C. (Margaret) Whitaker, Jr.; five daughters: Evangelist JoAnn P (Tommie) Dunn, Jr.; Lillie P. (Ronald) Freeman; JoAnn P. Watts; Tammey Whitaker Dobbs; Vickie Whitaker Jones, a brother, Vernon (Mary) Whitaker, two sisters: Alberta (Jessie) Thompson; Janice C. Larry; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and sorrowing friends.

The Augusta Chronicle-October 24, 2008