Helen Martin Whiteman, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the age of 92, and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was the oldest daughter of George Arlin Martin and Mary Alene Martin. She was born in Chadbourn North Carolina and raised in Wilmington North Carolina with five siblings who loved and treasured her immensely.
Helen is survived by her daughter Cynthia Strickland (Emory), son Billy Whiteman (Susan), sister Barbara Rodgers (Grant), brother George Martin, 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and many adored nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harold R. Whiteman, son Richard Whiteman, brothers Billy Joe Martin, Arlin “Buddy” Martin, sister Betty Jean Willie and nephew Jeff Rodgers.
Helen fell in love with blue-eyed Marine, H.R. Whiteman and married on May 18, 1954. Their son Richard was their first born at Camp Lejeune, NC. A few years later, their daughter Cindy was born in Wilmington N.C. In the late 50’s, they moved to Jacksonville FL due to a transfer from Atlantic Coast Railroad to the newly expanded Seaboard Coast Line. Their third child, Billy, was born in Jacksonville. She was a member of Normandy Village Baptist Church in its early days which eventually became Westside Baptist Church. She was an active member there for over 60 years where she loved to worship and serve her Lord. She truly enjoyed working in the church kitchen where she prepared and served an uncountable number of meals with love for over 40 years. She continued working in the kitchen until the age of 89, only stopping due to the shutdown associated with the covid pandemic. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, watching the Atlanta Braves, bowling, Carolina BBQ, Hallmark movies and Christmas was her favorite time of year. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She will always be remembered for expressing her love by singing “A Bushel and a Peck”.
Private graveside service will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at a later time.
Fraser Funeral Home
Jacksonville National Cemetery
Susan Whiteman
July 11, 2024, 4:33 pm
Thank you for loving me like a daughter. We had so many good times together over the years and I will cherish those memories forever. Life will be different for us without you here but we will carry on with you in our hearts until we’re together again one day. We now have a beautiful angel watching over us to help guide and protect us and that is comforting to know. I love and miss you!
Aaron Martin
July 11, 2024, 8:46 pm
Aunt Helen watched over me many summers as a young child and I enjoyed assisting her in the church kitchen and seeing the smile on her face as she plated so many meals for the folks she loved in her congregation and the community. Our Lord has gained another True Angel when she walked through his gates. She holds a big place in my heart. She will be missed by many.
Mildred Echols
July 12, 2024, 12:00 pm
Oh, I am so sorry for our loss at Westside Baptist. I saw her so many times at church with her daughter. Will miss seeing her but know she is still participating in worship. Mildred Echols
Mildred L Echols
July 12, 2024, 12:03 pm
Will miss seeing her at Westside, Sorry for the loss for all
George martin
July 13, 2024, 10:24 am
Helen will always be in our hearts, and we will cherish the memories we had with her. She was the big sister to all of us siblings growing up and we adored her. She will be missed. Rest in peace Sis. Love you!
Dina Walker
July 17, 2024, 6:41 pm
I remember making many trips to Wilmington with Aunt Helen. She made the long trip fun. I have fond memories of family get togethers with lots of love and laughter. Love you Aunt Helen, RIP.