Mary Whitaker

Mary Lou Carriere Whitaker was born July 28, 1928 and passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017.

She was the last living child to her parents, Hilda and Leonce Carriere and the only sister to her younger brothers, John and Ollen. They were raised in Leonville, LA before moving to Port Arthur, Texas where she attended beauty school and worked for the top rated salon in Beaumont. As a young lady, she was athletic and had a passion for playing basketball and volleyball. She was a talented painter and loved to crochet.

She married Adrian Eugene December 31, 1946. They were able to travel and live in a variety of places such as Canada, Michigan and Oklahoma. Along the way, she collected souvenir spoons as memorabilia and kept in touch with the friends she made in each town. She often sent her friends "Cajun care packages" after introducing them to her heritage through stories and cooking gumbo. She was a member of the Ladies Alter Societies of St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church as well as St. Patrick where she enjoyed strong friendships and cooking meals for the sick. She was an avid Tiger fan and if you spoke Cajun French, she lit up at the opportunity to speak the language as she often did with her mother. She retired from Cedarcrest Beauty Salon after many years of service but continued to cater to her close friends in her spare time.

Mary is survived by her children and their spouses, Genelle Kora (Byron), Karen Sue Salvato (Ray), Floyd Whitaker and Sheila Adams.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hilda and Leonce, husband Gene, brothers, John Carroll and Ollen and son-in-law, Ronnie Adams.

She instilled a strong faith in the Lord, love for each other, respect for all living things and kindness of soul to all of her family. She deeply loved her 10 grandchildren, Dr. Bryan Hollis, Cherie McLin, Jenny Bruno, Stacie Suffrin, Tina Tanner, Todd Whitaker, Troy Adams, London Whitaker, Casey Adams and Landon Whitaker. She adored her 19 great grandchildren and all of the spouses her family gained over the years.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, from 9:00 am until funeral service at 11:00 am conducted by Fr. Eddie Martin.

Pallbearers are Dr. Bryan Hollis, Todd Whitaker, Casey Adams, Landon Whitaker, Mike Sirman, Ray Salvato, Byron Kora and Floyd Whitaker.

The family gives special thanks to the loving staff at Nottingham Regional Rehab Center for her care.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, October 21, 2017
9:00 am - 11:00 am

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Saturday, October 21, 2017
11:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816