Dewanda Delois Whitaker was the daughter of Mrs. Diane Marie Whitaker and Mr. Leroy Whitaker. She was born on June 28, 1978, in Hayti, Missouri, and passed away on September 26, 2026, in Hayti, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mrs. Diane Marie Whitaker, Mr. Leroy Whitaker; grandparents, Mrs. Emma Thompson and Mr. Clarence Thompson Sr. Mrs. Viola Whitaker & Mr. William Whitaker, Uncles, Mr. James Whitaker, Mr. Jessie Whitaker Sr., Aunts, Virginia Mae Whitaker, Lois Smith, and Amie Edmond

Dewanda attended the North Pemiscot School System in Wardell, Missouri. Dewanda was a proud North Pemiscot Mustang and a graduate of the class of 1997. She loved playing Volleyball and Softball with her school teammates. Dewanda worked for more than 13 years for SRG, formerly known as Plastine Supply Company, in Portageville, Missouri. She enjoyed working at SRG and conversing with her friends and coworkers while at work.

Dewanda confessed hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the age of 10. She sang in the youth choir. Dewanda visited North 6th Street Church of God in Christ, where she heard the good news, " Jesus Saves. During her short-term sickness, she was asked if she wanted to accept Jesus; she answered yes. At that time, she heard, recited, and believed Romans 10:9. Family was there to encourage and witness her acceptance of salvation. It was told by several that she was invited to enter a fresh relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Dewanda gave birth to her First Child on July 1, 1998, Nayreon Leroya Ann Ellis, which was the start of her love and affection for motherhood; she later had Jhyon Ellis, Ricky Bryant & Jerome Bryant. Dewanda loved her children; they enjoyed eating at various restaurants and trying various types of food. She also shopped and traveled with her children; this is why they have so many precious memories of their time together.

Dewanda is survived by her devoted children, Nayreon Leroya Ann Ellis of Hayti Mo., Jhyon Ellis. of Hayti, Mo. "Ricky" Bryant of Hayti, Mo. Jerome Bryant of Hayti, Mo. One Sister, Jeanette Whitaker of Hayti, Mo. Six grandchildren: Kaiden Ellis, Aaliyah Ellis, Reign Bryant, Meilani Bryant, Jer'Sheed Ellis, all Hayti, Mo. Ka'nari Ellis, Caruthersville, Mo; Uncle & Aunts, Sam & Charlie Jeans Whitaker, Columbia, Mo.; Gene & Debbie Whitaker of Hayti, Mo. Ruby Brown, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Carla Smith, Columbia, Mo. William & Peggy Whitaker, Des Moines, Iowa; Vanessa Hopson, & Anthony Thompson, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. Dorothy Turner, Debra Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana, Special Cousins. LaKeisha Shepherd, Amelia "Bootsie" Williams, Sherry D. Smith, friends, Christie Morris. & Rosemary Smith, Misty Newsom, Calicquiona Robinson. Jesseca Heags.