Robbie Roberts Whitaker 1928-2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Mrs. Robbie Roberts Whitaker of Redwood, Mississippi, was born on March 3, 1928, in Vicksburg, MS, and passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026. She was a beloved lifelong resident of Redwood and a dedicated pillar of the North Warren County community.

A proud graduate of Redwood High School’s first senior class in 1945 — the first year the school operated as a high school — Robbie spent much of her life at Redwood School. She served as School Secretary at Redwood for 32 years, retiring in 1988, but remained with the school system until 2012, serving many as a tutor. It was then that she decided it was time to visit more with her grandchildren and great-grands. She was deeply dedicated to helping them learn to read, quizzing them on arithmetic, and reading to them with everyone gathered around her.

Robbie researched and wrote the “History of Redwood School,” meticulously documenting its story from its beginning in 1840 through 1990. An active member of Redwood Methodist Church, she also wrote and published a newsletter for many years for the 155th Infantry – 31st Division, as her late husband was a member of the Headquarters Company of this group.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, 1st Lt. Lester B. Whitaker; her father, Corbett J. Roberts; her mother, Aley B. Hancock; four sisters, Margaret Nell Roberts of Redwood, Juanita R. Chemin (Tom) of Greenwell Springs, LA, Pauline R. Wells (James) of Baker, LA, and Joyce Whitehead of Lampasas, TX; and one brother, C.J. Roberts, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA.

Robbie is survived by her daughter, Linda W. Hanks (Bubba) of Redwood; two grandsons, Robert B. Hanks of Collierville, TN, and Chris Hanks (Jennifer) of White Hall, AR; five great-grandsons, Russell, Charlie, Ben, Luke, and Jacob Hanks; beloved honorary “son” Jimmy Bramblett, as well as many nieces and nephews, and a host of extended family, former students, colleagues, and friends who considered her family. The family would like to offer special thanks to caregiver, sitter, and “second daughter” Linda Bell. They deeply appreciate the unwavering care and support of the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Dominic Hospital. Visitation will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home, Vicksburg, MS, on Monday, June 22, at 1:00 with funeral at 2:00 and interment to follow. The family deeply appreciates any donations in Robbie’s honor be made to Redwood Methodist Church.

Robbie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (AKA “Nannie”) and friend. She was loved and respected by those who knew her. Robbie was a faithful member of Redwood Methodist Church, where she served in many different capacities through the years in her service to the Lord. She was known for her kind loving heart, steady presence, and her ability to take control of any situation. She believed in doing any and every task to the best of her ability and “getting it done now.” She enjoyed being outdoors and keeping her yard and home pristine, canning, quilting, and especially spending time with her family, friends, and her Lord. Her daughter-in-law Jennifer is

forever blessed for her conversation, advice, and blueberry and wild plum jelly recipes. Her grandsons and great-grandsons will always fondly remember her diligent efforts to make sure they were always well-groomed and well-fed with cake, ice cream, chicken and dumplings, and tomato gravy and biscuits (you’re welcome, Papaw!).

Robbie Whitaker’s legacy of service, love for her community, and devotion to preserving its history will continue to inspire all who knew her. Redwood and the many lives she touched are forever better because of her.

Pall bearers: Grandsons Robbie and Chris Hanks, great grandsons Russell and Ben Hanks, nephew Jim Bramblett, and Chuck Hopkins.

Honorary Pallbearers: Doug and Debbie Jeter, Richard and Ruby Bounds, Jack and Becky Pace, Cecille Hintson, Luster Williams, Linda Bell, Nancy Hale, Donald Oakes, Jean Hall, Trey Martin, Tom Lee, Lorraine Lee.

Organist: Stan Whitaker.