Irese Mae Whitehead, 93 of Providence Forge, VA, walked on to meet her lord and savior on May 8, 2025, surrounded by her children.
Irese accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Samaria Baptist Church, where she had served as a Sunday school teacher and worked with the YWAS. She was a hard worker through her years, known for her upholstery work, sewing, and tending to her flower and vegetable gardens.
With her loving heart, she was always ready to lend a helping hand or give to others without expecting anything in return. The moment you walked through her door, you became family – welcomed by a woman filled with wisdom, kindness and unconditional love. She loved being with family and friends enjoying each other’s company.
At Thanksgiving time, she would always ask if we knew of anyone who would be alone and might need a plate of food. If she was told of anyone, she would fix plates and take them to them to ensure that no one had to spend the holiday alone or hungry. She never wanted to be in the spotlight and was content to stay in the background helping any way she could.
We thank God for the years we had with her and will always treasure her memory. She was preceded in death by her husband Maury Whitehead, her parents Henley and Ethel Canaday, her three brothers John, Leslie, and Leon and her three sisters Lillian, Helene and Evelyn.
Irese is survived by her son, Shelton Bradby; and her two daughters, Wilma Loving and Stacey Montgomery (Clay); her grandchildren, Peggy, Susan, Roger, Jill, Robert, Danielle and Travis (Sadie); her great grandchildren, Chelsea, Amanda, Bryan, Karley and Travis Jr.; and her great grandchild Noah; her brothers, Alvin (Maurica), Horace, Clayton (Velma), Glenn; and her baby sister, Norma (Jesse); her in-laws, Juanita, Kathleen, Terry (Eunice), Bobby (Rita), Anne (Michael); her foster brother in law, Leroy Wynn, and her special friend Elvie Adkins.
We would like to thank family and friends for the love shown to us through prayer, phone calls & visits. Also thank you to the At Home Hospice Care, especially Tracey and Michelle.
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Samaria Baptist Church, located at 8130 Lott Cary Rd, Providence Forge, VA 23140.
