Maude Whitaker, 96, of Newberry, died Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home. Born on August 22, 1922 in Augusta, GA, she was a daughter of the late Bradford and Lynnie Bartly Wood. Mrs. Whitaker retired from the Mississippi Employment Security Commission where she worked last as a claims examiner. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia, SC. She was gifted with a great sense of humor which she maintained throughout her lifetime, even through her illness. She is survived by her son, and his wife, Robert "Bob" and Keitha Whitaker of Irmo; a daughter and her husband, Dixie Whitaker and Gill Smith of Baton Rouge, LA; and a sister, Margaret Mitchell of Farmington, NM. She is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom she enjoyed spending time: grandchildren, Heather Alfonso (Donny), Andy Whitaker (Heather Huey), Pippin Whitaker (Steve Lize) and Margaret Selvaratnam (Jeya) ; and great grandchildren, Mason and Keegan Alfonso, Aleksy, Kepler, and Owenna Whitaker-Lize, and Rajah, Ryan, and Jasmine Selvaratnam. In additional to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Sarah Gunter, Mary Underwood, Cora Gibson, Penny Wood, and Johnnie Wood. Memorial services will be held at a later date. The family expresses their sincerer thanks to the staff of J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home for their wonderful care and kind support of our dear mother. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.