Wanda E. Whitaker

Mrs. Wanda Whitaker, 79, of 2909 Newton Street, Johnson City, formerly of 114 Carter Sells Road, was called home by the Lord and Savior, Saturday, July 18, 2009 at her residence. Born in Stoney Creek, Wanda lived most of her life in Johnson City. She worked in the 19th hole at the Johnson City Country Club for 11 years. After many years of hard work in food service, Wanda opened Wandas Diner on Watauga Avenue in Johnson City in 1983 and remained in business there for 24 years. Because of her loving caring nature, her customers soon became her extended family. Wanda courageously battled leukemia, which subsequently led to the closing of Wandas Diner. Wanda had a warm and gentle spirit, having never met a stranger. She was always eager to help those in need. Wanda was the '?ROCK of her family and will be terribly missed. But they will all look forward to when the family will be reunited once again with our heavenly Savior. Wanda was of the Baptist faith.Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer Whitaker, of 53 years, her parents,, Allen and Aner Williams, an infant brother, James Howard, a baby sister, Wilma Williams, a brother, Wesley Williams, a sister, Wilda Swatzell, and a very special friend, Romel Emory. Survivors include two daughters, Kathy Helton, Johnson City and Lisa Bitterburg, Oak Park, MI; five grandchildren, Michelle Neal and husband, Jerry, Michael Helton and April Jeffers, Mindy Ahuactzin and husband Gerardo all of Johnson City, Robbie Bitterburg and April Stevens of Oak Park, MI; eight great grandchildren, Ashley Calloway, Gabriel Smith, Jada Helton, David Helton, Eric Linville all of Johnson City, Amber Chaney, Jacob Everingham, Dillon Scott all of Oak Park, MI ; one sister, Wenonah 'Sissy'? Alexander, two brothers, Jerry and Gary Williams all of Johnson City; very special friend, Judy Payne, of Johnson City.Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 pm Thursday from the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Rev. Michael Woodward will officiate. Active pallbearers will be, Rob and Robbie Bitterburg, Michael Helton, Gabriel Smith, Kenneth Alexander and David Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Dupkoski ,Carl Moore, and the coffee drinkers of Wandas Diner. A procession will leave the funeral home at 1:45 pm on Thursday for the cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Wednesday.