Lorene Jean Whittaker, 76, of Circle Drive in Pembroke departed this life Saturday morning, July 12, 2008 at Giles Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Born in Pembroke on September 6, 1931 she was a daughter of the late Luther and Lyda Young Martin. She was retired from Pembroke School Cafeteria as a cook and was a member of Pembroke First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John Henry Whittaker, Sr., a son "Ricky" Richard Allen Whittaker, a grandson Jeremiah Whittaker, sisters Shirley Johnson, Madeline Martin, and Bonnie Martin.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son John H. Whittaker, Jr. of Pembroke; her daughters Deborah Broce of Blacksburg and Diane Farris and husband Jack of Blacksburg; her daughter-in-law Irene K. Whittaker of Pembroke; her brother Carson L. "Bud" Martin of Snowville; her sisters Frances Thornhill of Pembroke, Elizabeth Taylor of Nevada, Betty Marrs of Washington, DC; grandchildren April W. Brunk, Richard A. Whittaker, Jr., John C. Whittaker (Jessica), Saprina Farris Bailey (Jonathan), and Kevin Farris; her great-grandchildren Destiny Whittaker, Jasmine Whittaker, Harley Sanders, Cody Merrix, Brandon Bailey, Julia Bailey, and Sheila, Dickie, and Matthew; and a special friend Doris Wright.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2:00 PM in The Kendall Funeral Home at 605 Snidow St., in Pembroke with burial following at Fillinger Cemetery at Pembroke. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening from 6 to 8 PM. Online condolences may be sent by visiting kendallfuneralhome.com