Colleen E. Whitacre

Colleen E. Whitacre, age 91, went home to be with the Lord joining her husband Tommy in Heaven on Tuesday November 18, 2025. On January 11, 1934, she was born in the beautiful mountain town of Kitzmiller, Maryland, a coal miner’s daughter which she carried with pride her whole entire life.

Having graduated from Elk Garden High School in West Virginia, Colleen's journey through life led her to marry the love of her life, Thomas Whitacre, on June 11, 1954 and they moved to Akron, Ohio in 1958. Together they created a loving home that welcomed laughter and joy, especially during the holidays when she would gather her family together for the traditional oyster breakfasts on Christmas morning. She was happiest with her family gathered together over dinner, telling stories and playing board games at the table while the radio played WSLR.

Colleen spent many years working diligently at Revco/CVS in Springfield. A long-time member of the Millheim Baptist Church, Colleen was always the first to volunteer to cook for funeral dinners, blessing others with her remarkable skills in the kitchen. She had a knack for country cooking, pouring love into every dish she prepared, from baked goods to garden fresh vegetables she lovingly canned each season. She made a point to prepare whatever anyone wanted for their birthday dinner.

Colleen's passion for gardening with her husband served as an expression of her nurturing spirit. Her hands, often covered in soil, were a testament to her dedication to grow and share. The fruits of her labor provided not just food but family memories shared around the dinner table, where conversations and stories flowed as freely as the sweet tea she served.

Colleen is survived by her two sons, Danny (Penny) Whitacre and Mark Whitacre, who carry forward her legacy of love. She was the proud grandmother to Isola, Adam (Katie), and Alex (Carrie) Whitacre, and her heart swelled with joy as she embraced her great-grandchildren, Kendall, A.J., Rosie, and Izzy Whitacre. Each generation enjoyed the warmth, soft way and wisdom that she imparted, keeping the spirit of family alive in all their hearts. She leaves behind a patchwork quilt of family and friends who will forever hold her memory dear.

Colleen joined her beloved husband of 60 years, Thomas, as well as her cherished siblings, Bill Evans, Sherry Whitacre, Betty Paugh, and Janet Mongold, in Heaven.

Family and friends gather to celebrate her life at Newcomer Funeral Home in Akron, Ohio. Visitation will be held on Tuesday November 25, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service beginning promptly at 12:30 PM. Colleen will then be laid to rest at Hillside Memorial Park at 2:00 PM.

As we remember Colleen E. Whitacre, we not only mourn a tender spirit but we celebrate a life well-lived, full of kindness, laughter, and the love of family— a true mark of a woman with a country heart and spirit.