Whitaker, Thelma Dickerson

Thelma Jane Dickerson Whitaker, 86, of Radford, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013. She was preceded in death by her mother and earthly father, John and Eva Dickerson; and eight brothers and sisters. Thelma retired from the New River Valley Detention Home. She was a former member of the Red Hat Society. She fought and won her lengthy battle with cancer.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Thurman Whitaker Sr.; sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Judy, Howard Jr. and Kathy, John T., Michael R., Woodrow C., and Randy and Carrie Whitaker; daughter, Beatrice Faye Sorah; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, George, Bill and Roy Dickerson; a very special sister, Gloria Graves; special sister-in-law, Wanda Dickerson; brother-in-law, Curtis Graves; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Howard Sowers and Phillip Radford. Graveside Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at the Big Sand Cemetery with the Rev. Wallace Yopp officiating. Interment will follow the service. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel prior to the service. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.maberryfuneralhome.com