Martha Whitehead

Martha Whitehead, 90, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2020, at her residence surrounded by loved ones. Martha was born in Lucedale, Mississippi, on April 14, 1929. Martha was preceded in death by husbands Daniel Gonzalez and Samuel Whitehead; her parents, George and Pauline Skinner; her brother, George V. Skinner; and her sister, Eva Miller. She is survived by her children: Polly Klutts (Cecil), Angie Carter (Ed), Dan Gonzalez (Beth), John Gonzalez (Thea), Betsy Smith (Lance), Rose Ann Kesterson (Ray), and step-daughter Julia Johnson; her grandchildren Joy Allen (Jared), Eva Sullivan (Ryan), Jeffrey Carter (Marisa), Edwin Carter (Brittany), Megan Szabo (Geoff), Erin Gonzalez, Rose Chin (Jonathan), Pauline Orr (Dave), Millie Gonzalez, Sara Conger (Lee), and Jay Smith; eleven great grandchildren, and loving nephews, nieces, and friends. Martha Whitehead was a graceful southern woman, no matter where she lived: Mississippi, Mexico, Panama Canal, Alabama, Tennessee, or Texas. Martha never spoke ill of anyone, made all feel welcome in her home, always had food to serve a guest, and had a gracious, gentle manner. Martha was known for her elegant style, always dressed like a lady in heels. She loved playing bridge with her friends and hosting bridge parties. When Martha retired from the Army Corp of Engineers to Mississippi, she enjoyed painting, and her paintings are in the homes of her children, grandchildren, and friends. Martha’s eyes, sweet smile, and generous spirit live on in her children and grandchildren. She will never be forgotten. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to her caretakers Lora Huddleston and Cassandra Buckley; and to her nurses Sherry Bohanan of Deaconess Home Health and Danielle Barage of Deaconess Hospice. The family appreciates the loving care, support, and compassion of the staff of Deaconess Home Health and Hospice. Visitation will be at nine a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Laurel, MS, followed by a mass at ten a.m. Graveside services for family will be held at 3 p.m. at Lucedale, Ms. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Martha Whitehead

April 14, 1929 - February 10, 2020