Dorothy Corina Whitehead, age 92, of West Point, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 1, 2025. She was born on October 23, 1932 in Plainview, VA to the late Samuel L and
Evelyn Taliaferro.
After graduating from Beverly Allen High School, Dorothy relocated to Trenton, NJ where she lived with her aunt and worked as a Nurse’s assistant. On June 20, 1954, she married Richard Whitehead, Jr after which they made their home in West Point, VA. In addition to becoming a wife, she later became a mother to four children.
After the death of her husband, Dorothy continued to live in West Point but later relocated to live with her son in Williamsburg, VA. As she started to show signs of early dementia, Dorothy became a resident of Brookdale Chambrel Assisted Living Facility in Williamsburg, VA where she remained until her death.
She was a devoted member of Union Prospect Baptist Church where during her active years, she served as a Deaconess, an Usher and Nurse’s Aide. She was also a long time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Dot, as she was affectionately known to her family and friends, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
In addition to her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Richard Whitehead, Jr; 2 brothers, George Crittendon and Vincent Taliaferro ; 2 sisters, Gladys Wright and Lillie Lemon and one son-in- law, Anthony Ashford.
Dorothy is survived by her four children Deborah (Jeff) Ward, Richard R. (Crystal) Whitehead, Darryl (Linda) Whitehead and Jackie Whitehead; seven grandchildren – Christina Ward, Courtney (Clayton) Eichelberger, Brian (Chavonne) Ward, Kimberly Whitehead, RJ Whitehead, Michael Whitehead and David Whitehead; one step grandson, Antonio Ashford and four great grandchildren – Nia, Elijah and Jeremiah Ward and Corina Eichelberger. She is also survived by one sister, Blanche (Wiley) Dunsen; four brothers, Joseph (Claretha) Taliaferro, William Taliaferro, Earl Taliaferro and Hampton Taliaferro and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
