J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Whitlock, Esther C.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

WHITLOCK, Esther C. (“Tess”), 88, of Prince George, VA, lost her valiant fight with cancer and went home to the Lord on Saturday, December 1, 2007. Tess was born June 14, 1919, in Cresson, PA, to the late Homer S. and Katherine (Schwaderer) O'Neill, one of ten children. She joined the Army Nurse Corps and served with the rank of Captain in North Africa, Anzio and Southern Europe during World War II. Upon assignment to the Panama Canal Zone, she met and married Charles (“Chuck”) T. Whitlock in March 1951. Tess retired from active duty, but accompanied her military husband around the globe while raising three children and taking an active part in community and church-related service wherever she found herself. Tess returned to her nursing career after her husband’s final assignment to Fort Lee. Tess served as a Red Cross Volunteer and pioneered the Prince George County Food Bank while serving with numerous community beautification groups. Tess was a member of the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and took an active role in social ministry and outreach to seniors. Tess will be remembered for her boundless energy and enthusiasm, her dedication to family and the joy she brought to every occasion. Surviving are husband of 56 years, Chuck Whitlock; daughters, Kathy Whitlock of New York; Jennifer Boyer and husband, Joseph of Richmond; son, Terry Whitlock and wife, Becky of Georgia; and five grandchildren, Megan Whitlock, Christopher Whitlock, Danielle Whitlock, Chase Boyer and Sean Boyer. Also surviving are three sisters, Kathleen Burkhart, Jane Beers, and Twila Robine, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Hopewell, on Monday, December 3, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 4, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Petersburg, with interment in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. In lieu of flowers, family requests contributions be made to the Church of the Sacred Heart Building Fund, 9300 Community Lane, Petersburg, VA 23805. Condolences to the family may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

Col. Whitlock, Jennifer and family,
I just came across this on the website and seeing Mrs. Whitlock's name brought back lots of wonderful memories of growing up in Beechwood Manor. I will always remember you all as great neighbors and "Tess" was a dear friend to my mother, Betzie. I'm sure they have found each other by now and are having lots of laughs! I used to run into her on occasion, and it was always such a pleasure. I wish you all peace and happy memories.
Blessings, Missy (Hale) Gates

Posted by: Missy (Hale) Gates at January 7, 2008 05:31 PM

Colonel Whitlock:

My family and I just recently learned of Mrs. Whitlock's death when my eldest sister entered the name of my father in the book that Sacred Heart keeps with the names of the departed: Tess's name was the one entered on the line above.

Tess was a good friend to my Mom even when Mom didn't know who she was any more. She attended my Mother's funeral and spoke some words.

I remember that you, i.e., Tess, gave Matt and me an electric can opener as a wedding gift. She got a laugh out of saying that it would replace our P-38.

She always had a smile and kind words for me when I visited my folks. May she continue to smile down on you and your family.

Warmest regards,
Patty (McTague) Eyre

Posted by: Patty (McTague) Eyre at January 6, 2008 05:24 PM

Uncle Chuck & Family

Our deepest sympathy. We were very sad to hear about Aunt Tess and will miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We appreciate the time you took to visit with Dad on your trips to PA and he enjoyed your stop-overs very much.

I don't think Jean and I will be able to make down for the service because of Dad's health.

The Stiffler's: Jule Sr., Jule Jr., Jean & Family

Posted by: Julius Stiffler at December 3, 2007 05:23 PM

Dear Charles,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. We are thankful that we had such a lovely day with you and Tess when last we visited in Richmond. Tess was such a happy, vibrant person as she filled everyone with a sense of Joy. We regret that we have lived so far away over the years that we could not share more time with you and your family. Tess will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you. Wilton and Anna

Posted by: Wilton & Anna Atkinson at December 3, 2007 04:29 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. Tess has been such a wonderful friend to me and my family and gave me so much strength when my mother, husband and son all died. She always had the right words at the right time. Please find peace in knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in a better place. She will always be there looking down on you. She will be deeply missed by all whoever knew her.

Posted by: Bertie Eddy at December 3, 2007 03:21 PM

Tess was such a wonderful woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time.

Nancy Chudoba Burke and family

Posted by: Nancy Chudoba Burke at December 3, 2007 01:33 PM

Dear Terry and Family - Our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. She led a wonderful full life on earth and is now embarking on more virtuous missions...

Posted by: Merrilee and Rex Norman at December 3, 2007 11:38 AM

Terry & Becky,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom was truly an interesting and inspirational woman; as I read her obit I thought about my mom; they have alot in common. God's Word refers to them as "virtuous" women and there's no doubt she's ministering up above. May the Spirit of the Living God comfort your family...Donna & Keith A. Satisfield

Posted by: Donna Satisfield at December 3, 2007 09:29 AM

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Tess was such a good friend to Jimmy and Jean Chudoba and we had always hear of her many good works at Sacred Heart Church in New Bohemia. We know she is helping others now in heaven.
God Bless you all.

Posted by: Bernie &Dorothy Chudoba at December 2, 2007 10:18 PM

Dear Terry and Family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Be comforted in the peace and knowledge that your loved one is now in that wonderous place called Heaven with our Lord and Saviour. With deepest sympathy. Bill & Gloria Cole, Stone Mountain, GA

Posted by: William & Gloria Cole at December 2, 2007 12:38 PM