Geraldine "Tilly" Whitaker

Geraldine "Tilly" Hoskins Whitaker, 87, of Marmaduke, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. She was born on February 26, 1936, to the late James and Dolly Hoskins. Geraldine graduated from Holland High School. She married the love of her life, Bennis Whitaker, on March 13, 1958. Geraldine spent fifteen years working at Wal-Mart as a sales clerk. She and Bennis have been faithful members of First Baptist Church of Marmaduke for decades. Geraldine liked to read, primarily her Bible and Reader's Digest. She enjoyed sewing, and she was an excellent cook. Geraldine was an avid player of Pinochle, and she played it every chance she had. Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; and four sisters.

Geraldine is survived by her faithful husband of 65 years, Bennis Whitaker of Marmaduke; daughter, Susan (Fred) Spears of Crestview, Florida; sons, Benny (Lisa) Whitaker of Paragould and Michael (Erica) Whitaker of Navarre, Florida; grandchildren, Benjamin (Sabrina) Spears, Jillian (Nick) McKinley, Melissa (Kyle) Kelley, Joshua (Amber) Whitaker, Lauren (Tyler) Garmrath, Dusty (Noon) Whitaker, Rusty Lee Whitaker, Haidyn Whitaker, and Landry Whitaker; and great grandchildren, Brock Daniel Spears, Lily-Kate Spears, Marnie Jayne McKinley, Weston Hutto, Sadie June Spears, Kyla Kelley, Brody Kelley, Luxie Garmrath, Benson Garmrath, Carter Whitaker, Cooper Whitaker, and Piper Whitaker. The family would like to acknowledge The Green House Cottages at Belle Meade and Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for the love, care, and compassion they provided the family.

The family will receive friends Friday, September 22, 2023, from 12-1 PM at Marmaduke First Baptist Church. The funeral will begin at 1 PM with Bro. Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Harvey's Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers are Ben Spears, Nick McKinley, Rusty Whitaker, Dusty Whitaker, Josh Whitaker, Kyle Kelley, and Tyler Garmrath. In honor of Gerladine, please send memorials to Marmaduke First Baptist Church.