Roma J. Whitaker

Roma Whitaker (Jones) passed from this life on Friday, March 29, 2024. Born on May 31, 1930 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Roma was the oldest child of Warren Samuel and Cora (Cargill) Jones. Roma was a devoted caretaker for her family. She was strong support for her husband, Bill, as he served in the Korean War and later as he completed his education, as well as caring for him later in life as he heroically lost his battle with cancer. She was a devoted daughter and sister, who cared for both her parents as they aged and later cared for her younger sister, Marilyn, long after they both retired. “Homa” as she was referred to by many of her great, great nephews and nieces never had any children of her own, but you would never know it. She was the most loving and caring person; anyone would have loved to have had a grandparent such as her. She cherished her time with her nieces and nephews and relished as little ones were added to the family. She never missed an opportunity to be with her family; she was an amazing hostess, even on a regular day she would make sure everyone was fed (usually offering to make a roast) and comfortable. For holidays, she would make the family noodle recipe by hand (a tradition passed down) and have a large table scape to welcome family over. Ever the caretaker she would insist and tell everyone multiple times before they would go, “be safe driving home!” and “I want you to be careful driving home.” She was kind and caring. You knew if you called her she would be there even if it meant she had to drive across town and she would avoid driving on the highway and taking every back road. She loved to read. It wasn’t unusual for her to buy a stack of books and donate them to the local library once she was finished. In previous years, she also loved to knit and crochet; many of her handmade crocheted blankets can be seen in family members homes. She loved to share this love with others and was always willing to teach others if they wanted to learn. Roma was a woman of God. Her faith was evident in her actions and her dedication to Christ. She attended church regularly, only stopping when she could no longer see to drive. She enjoyed the fellowship, worship and lessons church provided. She desired for all her family to commit to the Lord and was always willing to help those who wanted to learn more or needed support. Roma is preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her sisters Marilyn Horne and June Jones, her brother Robert Jones and parents Warren and Cora. She is survived by her family who loved and misses her dearly, nephew Keith Taggart and his wife Ann of Del City, great niece Kari Dyer and her husband Josh of Newcastle, great niece Kaci Floranda and husband Bernard of Oklahoma City, niece Sherri Cobb and husband Terry of Choctaw, and great niece Kelli Bailey of Choctaw, as well as extended family and a host of great, great nieces and nephews who miss her calming presence and her continued spoiling. There are very few people who had such a role model and aunt as amazing as Roma Whitaker, but her family is blessed to have had her, even though it will never feel long enough. A committal service will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Okmulgee Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. www.mcclendon-winters.com

Roma J. Whitaker

May 31, 1930 - March 29, 2024