Esther Alsup Whitaker

Esther Alsup Whitaker, age 99, of Selma went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at her home. She was born June 17, 1912 in Jonesboro, Ark., the daughter of the late Augustus Alsup and Mallie Ingram Alsup. Mrs. Whitaker has lived at Selma, Ark. since 1927, where she met the love of her life, Vance Jahue Whitaker, whom she married on October 22, 1932. He preceded her in death in 2004. She was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family and was involved in many community activities. She was a member of the historical Selma United Methodist Church and a licensed LPN and caregiver. She was a very kind and loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was also preceded in death by one son, V.A. Whitaker, three brothers and three sisters. Mrs. Whitaker's family moved from Helena to Arkansas City in 1927. Shortly after arriving to Arkansas City, the great flood of 1927 came and they lost everything they had due to the high waters and looting. They floated in a boat from Arkansas City to what is called Erwin Hill located in the southeastern part of Drew County just west of Tillar. Refugee tents were set up for victims of the flood. This would be their home until housing could be found in the Selma community. Mrs. Whitaker developed typhoid fever from the stagnated water but was blessed to survive and have a wonderful life and family. She also survived the Great Depression along with many other hardships of that era. She was a very strong lady with a strong faith that helped her survive the many obstacles she experienced. She will be remembered fondly and greatly missed. She is survived by one son, Basil Whitaker and wife, Glenda of Alexandria, La.; one daughter, Beverly Whitaker Crain and husband, Bobby of Selma; ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Oak Grove Assembly of God Church in Monticello with burial to follow in Tillar Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.