Frizella Carolyn Whitiker

Frizella Carolyn Whitiker was born January 13, 1929, in Greenwood, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Having lost Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis her birth parents early in life, she was adopted by an uncle and aunt Reverend and Mrs. C. E. Whitiker of Austin, Texas, to which she moved.

She attended schools of Austin Independent School District, graduating from Anderson High School in January 1947. She entered Samuel Huston College (now Huston Tillotson University, Austin, Texas) January 1947 and graduated “Magna Cum Laude” with a BA Degree in English on May 23, 1950.

In August 1960, she received an MA Degree in English from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas. She did additional study from UT, Austin, Texas; Sul Ross University, Alpine, Texas; UTPB, Odessa, Texas.

A member of Mackey Chapel U.M. Church, Odessa, Texas, she served as a musician for over 50 years. She served also as a trustee, secretary/financial secretary, historian, church schoolteacher and member of United Methodist Women.

She was an organizing charter member of the Odessa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a member of the Governing Board of GOPB of the Permian Basin, sponsor of Head Start; member of the Board of Interfaith Sewing Council; musician for Southside Senior Center choir for twenty years and was a former member of the BCCO. She was an ECISD VIP for eleven years.

Her affiliations include membership in the Huston Tillotson International Alumni Association, Odessa Ector County Retired Teachers, TSTA, NEA, Black Chamber of Commerce and Citywide Fellowship Mission. She organized and sponsored Amores Tri-Hi-Y for almost 30 years and organized and sponsored Olympic Hi-Y for almost 20 years. She also wrote the Blackshear Jr.-Sr. High School alma mater.

During her life she received many many honors and awards. Listed below just a few of the more than 50 she received:

Who's Who in Methodism, 1962; Loving Archive (New Mexico Annual Conference, 2004; Ector County ISD Outstanding Sr. Volunteer, 1989; Alpha Phi Alpha Woman of the Year, 1993; Finalist W. D. Noel Volunteer of the Year Award, 1993; 30 yrs. Untiring Devotion and Endless Loyalty Appreciation of Service to Blackshear, 1960; 30 years of Dedicated Service to Mackey Chapel, 1980; Love and Appreciation Amores Tri-Hi-Y, 1970-71; Thirty-six Years of Service to ECISD , 1985; GOPB, Inc. Appreciation Awards, 1971;, 2004, 1988; 50th Class Reunion Celebration, 2000; Outstanding Teacher of the Year (Blackshear National Jr. Honor Society), 1962; Odessa Branch AAUW, 1984.

She is predeceased by 2 sisters and 1 brother. She is survived by her niece Patrician Ann Goolsby, Beaumont, Texas; nephew Demerick Cleveland (Ilene), Cove, Texas; great nephew Cartsen Cleveland, Darrin McCarty and Joshua Glenn, great niece, Janiya Andrews and great niece LaToya Glenn: 31st cousin Delores Ellis, Dallas, Texas, Vera Joyce Adams (Johnny), Jennings, LA; Gloria Richardson, Keithville, Louisiana; special cousins Denise Moore, Humble, Texas; Ebony Runnels, Houston, Texas; extended family members Sharon “Nicky” Robinson and family, Barry and Diane Hill, Joyce and Keith Thompson, Laverne Love, Marilyn Alford; and many other cousins and friends.

“If my people, who are called by my name would humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

The visitation and viewing of Ms. Whitiker’s body has been set from 1pm-9pm Friday June 28, 2024, with her Sorority Sisters presenting a special service at 6pm at Martinez Funeral Home chapel.

The celebration of Ms. Whitaker’s Life service has been set for 10am June 29, 2024, at First Methodist Church 415 N Lee Ave Odessa, Tx 79761, with Rev. Hadley R. Edwards, Retired United Methodist Pastor Gretna, Louisiana – Officiant/Eulogist

Interment will follow at Ector County Cemetery Odessa II section 300 S Dixie Blvd Odessa, Tx 79761.

Active Pallbearers: Demetrick Cleveland, Rev. James Webbs, Thomas Glenn, Sam Smith, Kheeaundre Webbs, Barry Thomas Hill, Leeroynadis Webbs and Alphonso Alexander

Honorary Pallbearers: Odessa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Former Members of Amores Tri-Hi-Y and Former Members of Olympic Hi-Y