Thelma "Lucille" Whitaker

November 16, 1925 - December 28, 2021

Thelma "Lucille" Whitaker of St. James, Missouri passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the St. James Living Center at the age of 96. Lucille was born November 16, 1925 to the late George Washington and Edith (Branson) Taylor. On April 2, 1943 Miss Lucille Taylor was united in marriage to Archie Whitaker, this union was blessed with two daughters. When Susan was young Lucille and Archie would pack up every summer to go to the Lake of the Ozarks for camping and fishing, it was something the family really enjoyed. Lucille was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, she was a faithful servant of the Lord, and read her Bible daily; Lucille was very gifted in the crafts department, sewing and making quilt tops, knitting, and crocheting; before her sister Shirley passed, she and Lucille would be out at yard sales, thrift shops, and flea markets. Most importantly she adored her family, she was able to care for Aaron and Ariel while Susan went back to work. The bond that she had with all her grandchildren was something that Lucille cherished. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and will be lovingly missed by all that knew and loved her. Lucille Whitaker is survived by her daughter, Susan Craft and son-in-law, Randy Craft, of St. James, MO; brother, Don Taylor (Ruth), of Rolla, MO; grandchildren, Beth Harrison Reddington (Jim), Roy Harrison, Aaron Craft, and Ariel Craft; great-grandchildren, Casey Craft Etheridge (James), and James David Reddington; great-great-granddaughter, Giavanna Etheridge; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents George and Edith Taylor, Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Archie; daughter, Brenda Harrison; sisters, Dorothy Isgriggs, Laura Bell Taylor, and Shirley Ihler; brothers, two infant brothers, Lee Taylor, Lester Taylor, and Charles Taylor; son-in-law, Leroy Harrison. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 7:00 PM at the St. James Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Pastor Gary Bartle officiating. Visitation will be held at the Chapel prior to the service from 5-7PM. Memorials are suggested to the Flag Springs Church.