Obituary of Florence Ann Whitaker

Florence Goodwin Whitaker, widow of the late Earl Whitaker, died on Thursday, December 21, 2023. She was born in Fleming County, KY on May 12, 1933 to the late Robert Bruce and Gertrude Emmons Goodwin. After high school she worked at the Fleming Gazette in Flemingsburg as a linotype operator. She trained in English, IN at the Milo Bennett Linotype School. She came to Lexington in 1953 to attend the Fugazzi Business College. She retired from the University of Kentucky after 31 years of service having worked in the Community College System, Maysville Community College and the College of Education. While at the University, as recognition of outstanding service to the University of Kentucky, she was honored with an "Outstanding Staff" award. This was the first year these awards were made and she was one of five receiving the award. After retirement, she lived several years in Louisville to be near her grandchildren before returning to Lexington in 2007. She loved reading, playing bridge, traveling and visiting art museums. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren, both in their professional and personal accomplishments. She was a member of Bell House and was a past president of the Bell House Monday Club, a member of the Bell House Beaus Joy Bell Choir, the Bell House Friday Bridge Club and a member of the Bridgettes.

Her four children survive her, Susan (Terrence) Fugate of Nicholasville, Anthony Earl (Carmen) Whitaker of Canoga Park, CA, Kimberly (Ronald) Fogle of Louisville, KY and Karen Whitaker of Oak Park, CA; five grandchildren, Sara N. Whitaker and husband Stephen Noble Smith of Charleston, WV, Patrick D. Fogle of Louisville, KY, Kathleen S. (Ryan) Parsons of Frankfort, KY, Jake A. Whitaker of Annapolis, MD and David  W. Whitaker of Las Vegas, NV; four great grandchildren, Jackson Smith, and Silas, Graham and Reagan Parsons; sister, Ottie Mulberry of Lexington.

In addition to her parents and husband she is preceded in death by her brothers, Bruce E. Goodwin, Jay Goodwin, Myron Joe Goodwin; and sisters, Helen M. Sosby and Carol Caudill. 

A celebration of life gathering will be held for Mrs. Florence Whitaker on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Clark Legacy Center, Frankfort, from 1pm-3pm.