Marian Whitner

Life ReflectionOur Sister, Marion Whitner, who before marriage was Mary Ella Brown, was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on November 6, 1927 to the union of Hattie Kelley and Rayford Brown. Her life as a Christian began as a youth in the State of Mississippi where she expressed her belief in Christ and was baptized soon thereafter. She later moved to Missouri and joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond Heights, Missouri under the leadership of Reverend James E. Fiddmont and continued through the current pastor Rev. Oliver K. Patterson. For many years, she was the President of the Health Unit and the Pastor's Aid Unit of the church. She was active and participated in various other church organizations and activities. Ms. Whitner, 84 years of age, was a long standing member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She was a caring and loving Mother and Grandmother to all who knew her as they enjoyed her quick wit, infectious charm and charisma that would lighten up any room that she was in. Ms. Whitner had been employed by Reliable Life Insurance Company for many years. Ms. Whitner's husband, Hugo Herbert Whitner, preceded her in death. She was the proud mother of six sons. Two sons, John and Ronald, died in infancy. Two others, Herbert and Leon Bernard, both of whom were former police officers in the St. Louis area, passed within the last two years. After being bedridden, suffering from a long term injury from a fall, and with declining health from strokes and seizures, the Lord called Ms. Whitner home on Monday, March 12,2012. She is currently survived by two sons, Emerson Sutton (her all-time eldest) and Jerry Whitner (her all time youngest). She is further survived by her older sister, Rosie Lee Anderson, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and two God- daughters. .