On May 10, 2024, Clentis Minter Whitaker went to be with her heavenly father. She was born in Holly Springs, North Carolina to the late Reverend Andrew Minter and Pecolia Turner Minter and was the stepdaughter the late Eva Minter. While her will to live persisted, her body could not go on. She was prepared both mentally and spiritually to move on to a better place where she will continue being strong, independent, and loving person that she was in life.

Clentis was educated in the public schools of Harnett County, North Carolina. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina. She earned advanced professional certificate in English and Social Studies for grades five through twelve from the state of Maryland.

She met Birt Hudson Whitaker in college and they fell in love and married on December 24, 1955. Two sons were born to this union, Anthony and Michael. e family joined First Baptist Church of Deanwood, Washington District of Columbia, under the leadership of Reverend Andrew J. Allen. The boys served as Trustee and Deacon of the Junior Church. Clentis was a member of the Pastor’s aide and a volunteer for Vacation Bible School. Birt served as Trustee and Reserve Trustee until his death.

Clentis devoted twenty-seven years to teaching in the state of Maryland. It was a joy and pleasure to teach the beautiful literature that she read and inspired her students the love of reading and learning, which had enriched all aspects of her life. She was an outstanding teacher and won the Bowie Chambers of Commerce Award for Outstanding Teacher award in 1983.

After retiring in 1995, Clentis devoted her time as a tutor, volunteer for Greater Bowie Friends in Need for Sympathetic Help, Meals on Wheels, Reader for the Blind, Cancer and Heart Association. She was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, Maryland Retired School Personnel Association, American Association of University Women, America Association of Retired Persons, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Clentis’ appetite for knowledge propelled her passion for travel. She took an accelerated European Study Course that included study and travel in Paris, London, and Rome. After that trip, she developed an intense interest in international travel. Her travels took her to Ghana, West Africa, and the Ivory Coast. Her most memorable trip was the Bible Lands Seminar. She toured Galilee, Tiberias, Nazareth/Cana, Jericho, Bethlehem, and the Mount of the Beatitudes. It was a life-changing experience to walk where Jesus and His disciples walked, taught, and healed. She also took advantage of an extended trip to Cairo, Egypt. Her travels took her to most of the major cities in North America. She did not get to visit Antarctica and Australia but was blessed to visit five continents.

One of her inspirations was music. It fueled her soul and gave her happiness during the good times and comfort during the hard times. She enjoyed nature and spent hours in her backyard transforming it into an oasis of beauty and calm with flowers. She lived fully, prayed daily, loved unconditionally, and laughed often.

Clentis was selfless and put others first. She was fun loving, outgoing, and vivacious. When you think of Clentis, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. She will be missed more than any words could express but she will be forever in our hearts till we meet again.

Clentis joined Bazzel Creek Missionary Baptist Church in 1997. She participated in the Senior Choir, Missionary, and Pastor’s Aide. When her health declined, she did not attend church but prayed for the church, and placed herself under the discipline of the Word of God. She abided the church standards, and supported the church through tides and offerings.

Clentis will be remembered for her faith in God, her generosity, and concern for others. She was very young at heart and believed that hard work, perseverance, and kindness towards others was the key to personal success. Her lasting gift to all she knew is reflected in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson “The Purpose of Life – is to be useful, to be honorable, and to be compassionate, to have it make a difference that you lived and lived well. The life of Clentis Minter Whitaker is a testament to a life lived well.

Clentis was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Andrew Minter and Pecola Turner Minter; stepmother, Eva Minter; husband, Birt Hudson Whitaker; son, Michael Reginald Whitaker; and sister, Sarah Frances Moore.

Clentis leaves many fond memories to her son of unparalleled devotion, Anthony Whitaker of Durham, North Carolina; nieces, Mary Ann Settle and Juanita West of Sandston, Virginia; and a host of cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Public Viewing: 1:00 - 5:00 pm Friday, May 17, 2024, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Visitation: 1:30 - 2:00 pm Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Bazzel Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Bazzel Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 1228 Wilbon Road in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Burial: Bazzel CreekChurch Cemetery, 741 State Rd 1105, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526