Marcus Luke Whitaker

MARCUS L. WHITAKER son of Inez and Abel Whitaker was born on April 18, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in December 31, 2016 surrounded by family after a long battle with dementia. Marcus was educated in Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Douglass High School in 1959. He was raised in the church at Sharon Baptist Church in Baltimore. He joined the US Marine Corp in 1959 and served until 1963 where he received an honorable discharged. In 1965 he united in marriage with Betty Jean Hoggs his "Boo". together they had two daughters, Erika Nicole and Brandee Lynn. Later he joined Salem Thessalonian Baptist Church where he held the positions of trustee, Youth Sunday school teacher, and seasonal biblical live play producer for several years. Marcus was employed at Social Security Administration as a Computer Programmer for 30 plus years where he retired in 2004. During his life he enjoyed his sports cars, modeling, and dressing display windows for Hyatt's men wear. Not to mention the many sport activities he taught to his girls. When it came to sports, it did not matter to him that he did not have sons; girls could do what boys could do. He was an avid skier who graced the steep slopes of mountains from Killington Vermont to Jackson Hole Wyoming. They enjoyed long distance cycling, white water rafting, kayaking, racquetball, and outdoor camping in his later years. Marcus had a love for the beauty of his lawn that he edged weekly to maintain the look of plush carpet, as he often stood back to approve it before going inside for the evening. He leaves to cherish the life he lived: a beloved wife, Betty J. Whitaker; two daughters, Erika Strickland and Brandee White; one son-in-law, Terrence White; two brothers, three sisters-in-law, Bernard Whitaker (Carolyn), Ryland Whitaker (Deborah), Dorothy Samuels; three grandchildren, Shantell, Alonzo, and Alayah; three great grandchildren, Amari, Lennox, and Logan; and a host of nephews, nieces, and other family members. The family pays tribute to a special caregiver, Ms. Jannette Byles, known to him as "The Good Lady"; a special daughter, Terri Richards, and one dedicated neighbor, Thomas Stallings.

Tributes

Marcus Luke Whitaker

April 18, 1941 - December 31, 2016