Mr. Joe Nathan Whitaker

Minister Joe Nathan Whitaker was born to the late Roger Whitaker, Sr. and Mary P. Whitaker on Dec 6, 1947 in the Saintsville Community of Pitt County. He departed this life peacefully at his home on Friday, January 27, 2023. He attended Sally Branch Elementary School. He was an outstanding student and respected basketball player at Bethel Union High School where he graduated in 1965. A lifelong lover of learning, he continued his education at Henry Abbott Technical Trade School. He later enrolled at Pitt Technical Institute and earned his certificate in Electric Welding. His father taught him how to work with his hands at a young age. He built upon that foundation to become well known for his agricultural, mechanical, and construction abilities. In 1965 Joe moved to Danbury, Connecticut where he was first employed by Scovill Manufacturing Company. Later he became a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. While in Danbury, he met the love of his life Mary D. Ward. On May 6, 1967 Joe and Mary were married at Mount Pleasant AME Zion Church, Danbury Ct. To this union, three sons, Gregory, Terry, and Anthony were born. He was a great provider and lover of his family. He taught his children the importance of good work ethics. He accepted Christ at an early age under the pastoral leadership of the late Bishop Robert Lee Harris, Sr. at the Ebenezer Holiness Church, Bridgeport, CT. In 1972, Joe and his wife relocated from Connecticut to the Saintsville community of Pitt County. He possessed a God-given mechanical design and engineering ability that opened many doors for him. He worked as a carpenter for a building contractor for several years. Subsequently, he was employed at Burroughs Wellcome Pharmaceutical Company, Greenville, NC for 22+ years. While there he worked in several divisions of the company, Sterile Product Division, Certified Chemical Operator, and Facility Maintenance/Carpentry Shop Operator. As a project manager, he was a tenacious finisher - he would not give up until the project was completed. While continuing to work at Burroughs Wellcome, he started Whitaker Trucking Company in 1982. He retired from Burroughs Wellcome in 1995 only to extend his entrepreneurial efforts into the successful establishment of additional construction, agricultural, and transportation enterprises. Among other community involvement, he also served as a member and Chairman of the Pitt County Adjustment Board. Joe loved to cook and created many recipes from the stove to the grill. He joined Holy Temple Church in 1972 under the leadership of Bishop George White. He began using his many gifts and talents in the Kingdom of God to uplift the Name of Jesus. He always maintained a healthy passion for helping others. He was a generous giver of his time and resources and was strong in his faith. His most spoken words were, “I will serve the Lord until I die.” Over the years he served God’s church in many roles including guitarist, buildings technician, Youth Ministry President, Finance Team Member, Chairman of Trustee Board, and Member of the Executive Board. Because of his commitment to congregational care he was chosen and ordained a deacon under the leadership of the late Elder Isaac J. Robinson. After serving as a deacon for many years, he accepted the call as a Minister of the Gospel. He was licensed on December 4, 2022. Until his death he served God and the church faithfully. ” Minister Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Sr. and Mary P. Whitaker; siblings, Roger Jr., Annie Mae Alleyne, Wally, Cornelius (Neet), Arthur, Dennis, Lorraine Whitaker, and Betty Whitaker. Minister Joe leaves to cherish his memories his wife, of nearly 56 years, Minister Mary Whitaker of the home; three sons, Gregory (Janice), Terry (Arlette), Anthony (Jennettia) all of Greenville, NC; god child, Mccoy Robinson (Michele) of Raleigh NC; two sisters, Jacqueline Hassell of Belair, MD, Elnoria Hampton (Marcus) of Fredericksburg, VA; one brother, Lornell Whitaker (Rosa) of Greenville, NC; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, and nephews, other relatives, and friends. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4: 7-8

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Mr. Joe Nathan Whitaker

December 6, 1947 - January 27, 2023