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Official Obituary of

Jeanne Whitted

August 29, 1933 ~ January 25, 2018 (age 84) 84 Years Old

Jeanne Whitted Obituary

"I, Jeanne Louise Whitted, shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

Inspired, gifted by God - and on assignment, Jeanne Louise Whitted led an intentional, fully purposed Christian life that exemplified the "Works of the Kingdom." Her God given talents transcended the earthly territories of social services, guidance and counseling support, spiritual leadership and encouragement. God richly endowed Jeanne with an uncanny knowledge of how to seek out and locate obscure resources. With her persuasive, confident manner, she perfected her negotiation skills and leveraged numerous networks to benefit others. Hundreds of young families with newborns, youths, seeking job opportunities and home bound seniors in need of nutritional and health subsidies, came to know and respect Jeanne Louise Whitted. One thing you could count on, she did her homework before aggressively pursuing certain leads or helping othesr to navigate challenging city, state and federal regulations. For that reason, she was often referred to as a "Walking Encyclopedia."

Born August 29, 1933, Jeanne was the fourth of nine children born to Hervey Alene Taylor and Janie Louise Crittendon Taylor. Her parents and five siblings preceded her in death: Yvonne Taylor, Janet Deantenac-Bey; Marie Lowrance; Dr. Mavis Taylor-Hayes; and Vivianne Hopkins. Jeanne was raised in a God-fearing family, and was baptized at an early age under the pastorate of District Elder Oscar G. Hayes, at Bethlehem Temple Church of Inkster. "I have always been in Awe in God" Jeanne penned in her papers. Years later, following a difficult season, she was drawn to Faith Apostolic Temple of Inkster, pastored by Elder Royal Titus Bozeman. She served faithfully until Elder Bozeman's death, then remained during the church's transition to become Great Faith Ministries, International. Jeanne commented that her life had richly grown under the leadership of Apostle Wayne T. Jackson. She faithfully served God as a: Sunday School teacher; Primary Sunday School Superintendent; Missionary Department leader; Mothers Board member; and Director of Community Outreach efforts. As a principal member of the church's "I Care" department, she expressed her faith by offering emotional, psychological and spiritual support to those seeking help.

Jeanne helped establish the Taylor family tradition of being "top scholars" and academic champions in the Inkster Public Schools. Her excellence was rewarded when she was double-promoted during her elementary school years. She continued her solid performance of earning all A's during her middle school, freshman and sophomore years at Ford Middle School and later at Inkster High School. She decided to take an alternate path and left high school to pursue personal interests. The story of her resiliency as she made up for this decision is nothing short of remarkable! Despite her own trials and tribulations, she spent early hours of morning praying for others and calling out the names of family, friends and loved ones in need. As an accomplished cook and baker, over the years, Jeanne often brought warmth and sunshine to bereaved and unsettled families with deliveries of her delicious "made from scratch" peach cobblers, German Chocolate cakes, pineapple coconut cakes and sweet potato pies.

On September 4, 1949, Jeanne married Curtis Edward Whitted, and to this 22-year union eight children were born: Paulette Denise, Curtis Anthony, Jacqueline Dale, Crystal Aretta (deceased), Peter (deceased), Timothy (deceased), Jeannine Yvonne, and Eric Andre Whitted. She was a strong praying woman who dearly loved her children. Because she was so devoted and protective, when critical life-changing events affected her children, she stepped from to pursuing her college degree so she could take care of their emergency needs. These setbacks took seven years to overcome--but she was determined that her "dream deferred" not become a "dream denied." Always thinking ahead, she planned her work--then worked her plan. Her non-traditional route to college meant first passing with flying colors, the General Education Development (GED) test and enrolling at Wayne State University where she "earned" a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1971. Jeanne was undaunted by balancing the awesome responsibilities of caring for five children, continuing her Christian stewardship, and working nights at the U.S. Postal Service Airport Mail Facility. Later, when her clients or others she was engaging complained of how "hard" or "unfair" life was for them - she would reference her own life experiences to inspire and encourage them. "If I could do it alone, with five children, then YOU can do it as well and accomplish your goals!"

No Surprise, Jeanne's continuous dedication and commitment to excellence would not go un-noticed. During her long, exemplary career as a social worker for the State of Michigan, she achieved high honors and citations for outstanding professional and community contributions. Social Services peer groups and statewide advocates presented her awards which included the prestigious "Meritorious Award for Outstanding Social Work Services" presented by the State of Michigan Council of Social Service Workers. She also received an outstanding service award from Michigan Governor William G. Milliken, presented in Traverse City, Michigan. She was also cited for her volunteer work with Hegira Drug Rehabilitation Center's crisis intervention hotline, health referrals for problem pregnancies, and distribution of food and shelter services. As the Educational Coordinator, Jeanne was instrumental in setting up the center's tutorial program. She also taught GED classes for those seeking high school diplomas- something near and dear to her heart.

One of Jeanne's proudest accomplishments was her successful advocacy to help establish a Focus Hope Center in Inkster. Through her efforts, this facility continues to serve Inkster and surrounding metro communities. Many are beneficiaries of her spirit of "Faith. Fight. Tenacity and Determination." She also collaborated with Inkster's Services Builders Foundation, Inc. an affiliate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, to acquire donations of backpacks, turkeys, dairy and fruit products to serve hundreds of Inkster area families during Thanksgiving holidays. Her outreach service for more than six decades easily uplifted the lives of thousands to become more fulfilled and successful in their career and community endeavors. Whether they settled into leadership or supporting roles, many can point to the influence of one person--Jeanne Louise Whitted-- for helping them find their way. While sharing her own story, she always gave credit to God by stating, "The Lord had been gracious to me in many ways!" Surely, as He welcomes Jeanne into His Kingdom, God will say... "Well Done, thou good and Faithful Servant!"

Leaving to cherish her memory and continue her legacy are Jeanne's five children: Paulette, Curtis (Debra), Jacqueline, Jeannine, and Eric(Chanda): Grandchildren: Kenneth, Kevin, Toni, Johnathan, Latina, Lesley, David, Brain, Austin, Chandler, Brooke, and Corinne; Great-Grandchildren: Shemere, Damon, Asha, Cachet, Ashley, Kevin Jr., Kaylee, Kayla, Kyra, Chole, Laila, Davion, and Gabrielle, Three siblings; Hervey Alene Taylor (Carolyn), Avon, Connecticut, Gloria Taylor Wright, Inkster, Michigan; and Dr. Phyllis E. Robinson, Detroit, MI. Many nieces, nephews, and her special friend of 65 years, Dr. Arthur Smith of Tampa , Florida, and her Great Faith Ministries Church family and dear life long friends. Cemetery Details Mt Hope Cemetery 17840 Middlebelt Rd Livonia, MI Loading map Previous Events Family & Friends Visitation FEB 1. 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ET) Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home-Westland 4670 S. Inkster Rd. Westland, MI 48186 mcclaryfh@yahoo.com https://www.chapelchimes.com/ Loading map Family Hour FEB 2. 10:00 AM (ET) Great Faith Ministries International 10735 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI 48204 Loading map Celebration of Life FEB 2. 11:00 AM (ET) Great Faith Ministries International 10735 Grand River Ave. Detroit, MI 48204 Loading map

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