FORT WASHINGTON, MD—The Lord called Jacqueline LaMoyne Morris Whitman home on Sunday, October 20, 2024, while surrounded by her loved ones.
Jacqueline LaMoyne Morris Whitman, affectionately known as “Jackie” by family and “Shorty” by the love of her life, was born on August 24, 1943, in Ditchley. She is the daughter of the late Walter F. and Ruby Mac Campbell Morris. Many of Jackie’s early childhood days were spent at the country store, which sat next to the family home and was owned by her mother.
Jackie was educated in the Northumberland County School System and graduated from Central High School in 1961. She briefly continued her studies at Howard University and even played the saxophone with the university band. Jackie further prepared herself for the business sector by enrolling in the Cortez Peters Business School in Baltimore, Md. While in business school she was blessed to live with her aunt Dorothy and uncle Ernest Jones.
An early marriage to Thomas Cottrell resulted in Jackie giving birth to Troy and Lezlye (Ajani) soon thereafter. Jackie later married Malcolm (Mal) Whitman on April 20, 1976, forming a union that would span 48 years creating a beautifully blended family with five children, Troy, Lezlye, Pamela, Angela and Cory who was born of this union and the last of the children. Jackie and Mal bought their first home together on Chris Court in Fort Washington, Md., which would be their family headquarters for years to come.
Jackie held several jobs including secretary at P.S. 108 in Baltimore City, secretary to Baltimore Mayor William Donald Schaefer and an administrative role at Public Technology, Incorporated (PTI). In April 1983, furthering her career, Jackie took on the inaugural secretarial position for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). She would serve as the organization’s executive secretary for a number of years taking on significant responsibilities with helping to organize their annual conferences, which allowed her to foster many lasting relationships with colleagues from around the country. Jackie’s commitment and dedication to NFBPA was so prominent and undeniable that the organization recognized her service with an award in celebration of her retirement in 2016. NFBPA further recognized Jackie for her impact on the organization’s administration and her steadfast commitment to its mission by naming their annual distinguished service award in her honor—The Jacqueline L. Whitman Distinguished Service Award.
Even with her unassuming disposition and demure personality, she had zest for life, family and fun. As a young woman, Jackie lived an adventurous life being a member of both a Mustang car club and a motorcycle club. She would travel to rallies across the state to include Ocean City, Md., in her first car, a 1965 drop-top Mustang. Traveling and seeing the different parts of the country was something Jackie and Mal wanted for their family. Jackie helped orchestrate family road trips across the country, from Maryland to California, as well as trips to Canada to visit Niagara Falls in the family’s Pontiac station-wagon playing 8-track tapes. She was the original “GPS,” and her job as co-pilot was reading the maps to help Mal navigate the way. Jackie was also the family taxi driver taking the kids to parades, Little League sporting events and drum major/majorette competitions throughout the state. In her spare time Jackie took up competitive league bowling along with her husband.
Jackie’s ancestors, the Campbells and the Nickens were instrumental in the establishment of Calvary Baptist Church in Kilmarnock, where she and her family were long standing members. It’s at that same church that she would dedicate her life to Christ at a young age. Jackie would continue her connection with Calvary for her entire life and took pride in being an active member in both the Calvary Club and the Calvary Metropolitan Club. Jackie regularly helped raise donations to be presented by the clubs to the church at annual homecoming services. Just recently, Jackie and Mal were honored by Calvary for their true dedication to the church and club at homecoming—being named “Calvary 2024 Homecoming King and Queen.” Even in her final days she shared the desire to carry out her duties to the club’s membership from her hospital bed. The Calvary Club and Calvary Metropolitan Club were near and dear to Jackie’s heart!
Those who knew Jackie knew that she loved to sing, which led her to join St. Paul Church’s Unity Choir, where she faithfully sang the Lord’s praises for over 40 years. She was ecstatic to have the honor of singing in the Harbor Choir, a group assembled to celebrate the opening of the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. She also took very seriously the responsibility of ensuring that she personally sent birthday and bereavement cards to members of her choir, Bible study group and church at large. Her care for others was undeniable.
Jackie was devoted to the preservation of her family’s legacy and played an integral part in having Lancaster County, Virginia, dedicate a stretch of road with a highway marker in her great-grandfather’s name—Armistead Stoklas Nickens. Jackie also loved collectables. Over time, Jackie managed to amass a rather extensive collection of over 200 elephant figurines all stemming from a customer gifting her with one at the family store as a child. Knock one over and she’d hear it from a mile away.
In her spare time Jackie loved to go to the movies, play scrabble, conquer word-finds, color, watch The Food Network, crime shows and the Hallmark Channel. Jackie was also an avid book reader. Jackie absolutely loved spending time and money in the Hallmark, Dollar and Christian book stores. She would always have a card or three on-hand at all times for any occasion.
A clean ride was a requirement of hers and the car wash was often part of her Saturday routine. Jackie was the consummate proof-reader in her professional life and for her children as well, often proofing elementary, high school, college and even professional projects and presentations late into the night for her beloved family.
For those who called her “Grandma,” her grandchildren, each held a special place in her heart. She would go above and beyond to show her love and support, attending countless birthday parties, sporting events, honor roll assemblies, graduations, promotions, and sending cards and gifts no matter their location. “Grandma” had an endless supply of affection, making each grandchild feel special, cherished and loved. She seemed to understand their hearts without words. She had a sharp sense of style and loved putting together a nice outfit. She expected things to be done in decency and in order, even down to her butter dish—no crumbs allowed! If you ever encountered Jackie, it is likely that she referred to you as “Sweetie Pie”—her universal greeting. Jackie was always willing to lend an ear with her kind spirit.
Jackie was a beacon of love, kindness, and unwavering strength. To those who knew her, she was a friend, a confidante, and a source of endless support. To us, she was family—a cherished parent whose gentle guidance shaped our lives in countless ways. Her laughter lit up every room and her warmth embraced all who crossed her path. Though no longer here in body, she lives on in our hearts, in every cherished memory and in the lessons imparted so selflessly. We carry her with us, grateful for the precious time we shared. Rest in peace, Jackie, Shorty, Mom, Ma, Ms. Jackie, Grandma, Aunt Jackie, Cous. You are loved beyond words, missed beyond measure and forever remembered.
Jackie leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 48 years, Malcolm; five wonderful children: son, Troy Cottrell (Jodi); daughter, Lezlye Ajani; daughter, Pamela Dawkins (Andre); daughter, Angela Brown (Rodney); and son, Cory Whitman (Chevaun); 13 grandchildren: lndya Cottrell, Rodney (RJ) Brown Jr., Andre “Mann” Dawkins (Armani), Christian Brown, Arielle Cottrell, Caleb Dawkins, Jalon Dawkins, Logan Brown, Naomi Dawkins, Niko Ajani, Chase Whitman, Uri Cottrell and Noah Cottrell; one great-grandson Maverick Dawkins; a special sister/cousin, Brenda Campbell (Jackie to Brenda: “We’ve had a good 81 years!”); one brother-in-law, Henry Whitman (Ann); one sister-in-law, Deborah Williams (Duane); special niece/daughter, Donna Whitman; goddaughter, Leslie Daley (Frank); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to include her beloved Chris Court extended family.
Campbell Funeral Home of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
