Name Unknown

Beatrice Owens Whitaker

passed away on June 25, 2013 in St. Petersburg, Florida at Westminister Palms Retirement Community, at the age of 103. Beloved daughter of Alonzo C. Owens and Lucy Edith Douthitt Owens, her father was a principal in the Hays and Hays law firm. Bea attended Sullivan schools and graduated from Sullins Jr. College in Bristol TN, and from Indiana University (Bloomington) in 1931 where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She worked briefly as a social worker before returning to Sullivan. In 1921, at age 11, Bea joined Sullivan First Baptist Church and in 1978, she married Teal B. Whitaker there. Shortly after marrying they moved to St. Petersburg. Bea was predeceased by her parents, sister Marguerite Heidenreich, nephews Robert O. Heidenreich, John Karl Heidenreich, and great niece Julie A. Watson. Survivors include a niece, Martha Edith McDonald of Neosho, MO, great-nephews Daniel R. Heidenreich of Colorado Springs CO, John Karl Heidenreich of Henderson NV, Robert O. Heidenreich, Jr. of Indianapolis, a great-niece Kathleen Goff of Lebanon OR and cousins, twice removed, David and Kent Hoilman. A graveside service is planned for Saturday, July 6th at 10 am at Center Ridge Cemetery. Holmes Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.