Mrs. Sarah Katheryne Snyder Whitaker, age 85, of Somerville, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2013. She was born December 22, 1927, in Huntsville the fourth of eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mary and Elon Snyder. Mrs. Whitaker was a 1947 Huntsville High school graduate and served as a member of the staff of the Huntsville Public Library. Mrs. Whitaker married Mr. Ervin B.G. Whitaker Jr. on Friday, June 13, 1947. They relocated to Atlantic City, N.J., where he was stationed with the Naval Air Station. Upon completion of his Naval obligation, they relocated to Huntsville, where they acquired jobs with the U.S. Government. Mrs. Whitaker retired from the Redstone Scientific Information Center after a successful and fulfilling career spanning over three decades. She then worked an additional ten years with the EC Corporation, Huntsville. Upon leaving that position, she performed volunteer work with the Somerville Library for 10 years.
Mrs. Whitaker was a lifelong Christian who enjoyed church attendance. As a member of “The Greatest Generation,” Mrs. Whitaker experienced firsthand the great depression and World War II. Mrs. Whitaker believed in and was committed to God, Country and family. She instilled in her children and later generations, both by words and actions that you must support yourself and your family. She was proud of her family members who served society by becoming members of the military, police force, educational field, firefighters, medical field and customer service.
Mrs. Whitaker enjoyed the written word and spent many happy hours in her quest for knowledge researching and studying a variety of written materials and Bible studies. She was a generous soul and found some good in everyone and all situations. This love and spirit will be missed by all who had the privilege of sharing her life.
She was preceded in death by Mr. Whitaker; their eldest daughter, Sandra Dianne W. Niles; siblings, Mary V. Snyder, James E. Snyder, Charles E. Snyder and Larry E. Snyder, all of Huntsville, Joseph H. Snyder of Medina, N.Y.; her parents and a great-great-grandchild. She was followed in death by sister, Elsie L. Harford, Edgewater, M.D.
Those left to rejoice in her life are sibling, Elizabeth A. Jackson of Madison; daughters, Susan W. (Kenneth) Johnston, Somerville, Sharon W. (Henry)Keebler, Madison, and Sarah Anne W. (Ricky) Caudle, Eva; grandchildren, Lisa Niles, Christy (Charles) Fite, Eva, Patrick (Thiquita) Niles, Hartselle, Shelley (Cary) Kirby, Somerville, Stacey (Rod) Lovett, Decatur, Nichole (Nicolas) Smith, Ryan, Leasha Miller, Eva, Michelle (Willard) Williams, Athens, Ashley W. (Nathan) Tatum, Huntsville and Andrea Keebler, Alexandria, Va. Mrs. Whitaker also leaves 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grand- children and numerous nieces and nephews. The arrival of a third great-great-grandchild is expected in August.
Arrangements are being handled by Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville where the family will receive friends, Friday 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside service will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, Saturday at 3 p.m. with Patrick Niles officiating.
