Valdiner (Val) Whitaker

Our Loved One, Valdiner (Val) Whitaker, age 70, went peacefully to her eternal Home in Heaven on Friday, May 19, 2023, surrounded by loving family. She was born on June 13,1952, in New Orleans, La., to her beloved Mother, Inez Haynes Paul and Father, Allen Whitaker. She grew up in a close-knit and supportive family in the Calliope Housing Development/B.W. Cooper (now named Marrero Commons), with her Mother, four sisters, and two brothers. She received her education at Sylvanie F. Williams elementary; James Derham Jr. High; and Booker T. Washington Sr. High School, Class of 1971. She attained certification as a Nursing Assistant and worked at Taylor House Nursing Home. Val also studied Cosmetology at Stevenson’s Academy of Hair Design and subsequently earned her license as a Cosmetologist. She retired in 1979. Val was a doting and dedicated Mom to her twins, Larry H. Wright (Leslie) and Larrelle. H. Wright. She provided a lifetime of love, care, and devotion to her grandchildren, Troy, and his younger sister Gabrielle. Troy became one of her most devout caregivers, providing comfort and care to her during her illness. Val was preceded in death by her Maternal Relatives: Mother; her oldest Sister, Lois Mae Payne; Aunt, Hilda H. Dobson; great Nephew, Ronald R. Whitaker Sr.—all of New Orleans, LA —and her great, great Nephew, Charles Jakobi Payne, of Atlanta, GA. Her Siblings and their children who survive her, include- Daughters of the late oldest Sister, Lois Payne: Terri Payne-Hamilton and her late husband, Melvin Hamilton (Marc, Erica, Melvin, Jr., and Mya) and Gedra Payne-Robertson (Chantelle, Arianne, Wayneisha, Kelly, and Joshua); her older Sister, Linda Joy Whitaker (Brian, Kimberly, Marijke); her younger Sister, Kelly Ann Whitaker (Kelyn); her youngest Sister and Devoted Caretaker, Cathy Marie Whitaker Stewart (Catina and Warren, Jr.); her younger Brother, Harry James Whitaker, Sr. (Nikkita, Brittney, Harry, Jr.) and her youngest Brother, Todd Whitaker, Sr. (Terrill Banks, and Todd Jr. (Faran). She is also survived by her Great (great) nieces and nephews, Cousins, and Dedicated Life-long Family Friends, including Mr. Al Matthews (Caretaker), Mrs. Bobbie Smith, and Mr. Anthony Banks. The Family of the Valdiner Whitaker hereby invites all relatives, friends, and former and current residents of the Marrero Commons, Faculty and Staff of St. Alphonsus Catholic School, Warren Easton High School, and Tulane University; Pastor, Officers, and Members of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Rock Missionary Baptist Church, to attend the Funeral at D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA . Please join us in Celebrating the Life of Valdiner Whitaker on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 10:00am. Rev. Isaac Stewart, Officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00am with livestreaming set to begin @ 9:50am by visiting www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences to the family.