Anita Louise Whitaker

Early in the morning on October 29th, 2025, Anita Whitaker stepped into the arms of Jesus. Born Anita Louise Croman on July 31, 1936, to Lester S. and Vera Croman, she was the youngest of five children. A surprise addition a decade after her closest sibling in age, she was cherished by her siblings and parents. Growing up surrounded by family, faith, and constant affection created in her a spirit of joy, generosity, and graciousness. Anita grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma where she attended Central High School. While there, she met her best friend and the love of her life, Mack Whitaker. After making him jump through a few hoops, they quickly became inseparable. Anita graduated high school in 1954, where she proudly served as the band queen—a fitting honor for someone who brought so much light wherever she went. After high school, Anita attended both Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University. While at Oklahoma State she joined the Chi Omega Sorority, an organization she was proud to be a part of. During this time, Anita and Mack married on January 28, 1956. Together they moved to Norman, where she joined him at the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 1958 with a degree in Home Economics. Later in life, she would earn her master’s degree from Oklahoma State University and become a certified teacher. Following graduation, Mack and Anita returned to Muskogee to put down roots close to their families. There, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. They were blessed with six children—Les, Lisa, Julie, Jody, Marcie, and Matthew—each of whom was the center of Anita’s world. Anita loved to recount how she and Mack were always in agreement that they needed just one more baby. Taking care of her family was not just her role; it was her calling. In 1969, Anita and Mack moved to their home on 16th Street. That home became a gathering place for family, friends, and anyone in need of a warm meal or a kind word. There, they always had an open door, an open seat at their table, and open hearts. For over fifty years, their home remained constantly full of life; housing holiday and birthday celebrations, card games, wedding and baby showers, family meals, prayers, and warm conversations between friends. Often, during these times, Anita could be found running her kitchen, scooping up babies, listening to and advising young mothers, and laughing at the chaos around her. In 1972, she convinced Mack to build her a swimming pool, and the fun really began. Anita’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She joined Mack’s beloved Boulevard Christian Church upon their return to Muskogee in 1958 and remained a faithful member throughout her life. She taught the Women of the Word Sunday School class for many years, leading with wisdom, grace, and compassion. Raising her children in the church was deeply important to her, and her love for God was evident in the way she loved others. Anita was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her six children and their spouses, her 23 grandchildren and their spouses, and her 22 great-grandchildren were the greatest gifts of her life. She loved nothing more than to sit and talk with them or to watch the littles ones run circles around her home. Despite the large numbers in her family, Anita never shied away from being a mom or Mema to others that needed her; always cherishing the opportunity to take care of one more person. Her wisdom and advice always pointed to the joys and fun of motherhood. Beyond her own children, Anita had a heart big enough for everyone. She encouraged and helped countless children throughout the community, whether through church, Girl Scouts, or simply by being the kind of neighbor everyone could count on. She was also active in Garden Club, in which she was a Master Gardener, P.E.O., and other community organizations that reflected her love for connection and service. In her later years, some of her greatest joy came from swimming with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, laughing and splashing right alongside them. She cherished every moment spent surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved “Tulsa Friends”— a lifelong group of friends who raised their families together and carried each other through every season of life. Anita was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Mack; her son, Jody; and her great-grandson, Oliver. She is survived by her children: Les (Julie) Whitaker, Lisa (Luke) Abel, Julie (Kevin)Crank, Marcie (David)Hewson, and Matthew (Gena)Whitaker. She is also lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren—Katie (Leighton) Combs, Karie (Krystel) Abel, Brooke (Drew) Branan, Bonnie (Jonathan) Swindal, Seth (Kristyn) Whitaker, Austin Whitaker, Zach Whitaker, Cole Whitaker, Triston Smith, Cole Smith, John (Andrea) Crank, Morgan (Jordan) Stancil, Mollie (Seth) Sherman, Stephen Crank, Ben Whitaker, Emily Whitaker, Mariah (Keith) Hutson, Gavin (Cerra) Whitaker, Cameron Hewson, Hailey Hewson, Luci (Jonathan) Hunter, Grace Whitaker, and Mack (Sara) Whitaker—along with 21 great-grandchildren who filled her days with laughter and light. Anita’s life was one of unwavering love, quiet strength, and faithful devotion. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the family she so tenderly built and nurtured. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial be made to Boulevard Christian Church at: https://bccok.com/give/. A celebration of Anita’s life will be 11AM, Monday, November 3, 2025 at Boulevard Christian Church with Pastor Steve Moss and James McCracken officiating. Pallbearers are her grandsons, Seth Whitaker, Austin Whitaker, Zachary Whitaker, Cole Whitaker, John Crank, Stephen Crank, Ben Whitaker, Mack Whitaker, Cameron Hewson, Triston Smith and Cole Smith.

Anita Louise Whitaker

July 31, 1936 - October 29, 2025