Dorothy Diggs Whitaker

Dorothy Diggs Whitaker, daughter of the late Gracie Diggs and the late Herbert Spratley and granddaughter of Mary Ella Diggs (who raised her) was born on August 5,1925 in Smithfield, VA. She departed this world to receive eternity's reward on Sunday, June 11,2017, at Coliseum Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton, VA. She was predeceased by her husband, Grover Whitaker and her sisters Gracie Diggs and Nellie Vizel Spratley. She was affectionately known as "Dot" and "Aunt Dot" by those who knew and loved her. She received her formal education in the Isle of Wight Public School System. She gave her life to Christ at an early age at Little Zion Baptist Church in Thomas Park Community of Smithfield, VA. Upon moving to Norfolk, VA., she united with Mount Carmel Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her health began to fail her. Over the years, Dot worked as an oyster shucker, domestic worker and seamstress. Dot was an accomplished seamstress who was very fashionable and often used her talents to bless others. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Independent and outgoing, she was fun loving, humorous and never at a loss for words. In her free time, she loved playing cards, especially bid whist. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends. Dot was the matriarch of her family and represented six generations of the Diggs-Spratley family. She leaves to cherish her memory, her nieces, Gracie S. Whitley of Smithfield, VA and Maxine (James) Spratley-Langhorne of Hampton, VA; her great nieces, Terry Baker and Vizel (Larry) Townsend of Hampton, VA; her great nephews, Ricky Whitley of Smithfield, VA; Barry Whitley of Smithfield, VA; Kenneth(Bernadette) Langhorne of Raleigh, NC; Laroy Whitley of Smithfield, VA; Brian (Diane) Langhorne of Waldorf, MD and Deon Whitley of Bladensburg, MD and a host of relative and friends. "Life is timeless and ever changing. How blessed we are to know that death does not end life, but merely changes its form. I know that as I write this, Dorothy, lives on, smiles upon us and is rejoicing in her new home. Unbound by the physical, her connection to us has not ended but merely begun in a deeper and richer manner. " -Eleonore Koury

Dorothy Diggs Whitaker

August 5, 1925 - June 11, 2017