Doreatha Whitfield Christian

Remembering Our Beloved Mother

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”. John 11:25

God called Doreatha home on October 1^st, 2022.  Born on October 30th, 1934, in Tarboro, NC to Horace Wilkins and Besscila Harris Wilkins. Doreatha, lovingly known as “Doe,” grew up in Portsmouth, VA. Doe attended Portsmouth Public Schools and was a graduate of I.C. Norcum High School.

Doreatha met and married the love of her life, James Cornell Whitfield, Sr. She married into a beautiful family.  From their union were born three children: sons, James C. Whitfield, Jr., Horace Marcel Whitfield and daughter, Cynthia Whitfield Neely.  Doreatha’s goal throughout her life was to offer her love, endless support, motherly advice and care to family and friends whenever needed.  Love and support were unconditional from her family and church (Mount Herman Temple).

Doreatha worked for 33 years at the Tidewater Detention Home in Chesapeake, VA. She was a member of Portsmouth and Virginia Beach Chapters of Las Amigas Inc., Toastmasters International Chapter of Chesapeake.

After the passing of her husband James, Doreatha was blessed to find love again. She later entered holy matrimony with Deacon Joseph C. Christian. As a result of that union, Doe moved her membership to Noble Street Baptist Church where he fellowshipped.

Predeceased in death by her husbands, James Cornell Whitfield, Sr. and Deacon Joseph C. Christian.

Doreatha will be truly missed by her children, James Cornell Whitfield, Jr. (Skip), Horace Marcel Whitfield and Cynthia Whitfield Neely, grandchildren, Loraine Chatman, Vincent Whitfield, Julian Pittman, Cornell M. Whitfield, Holly J. Neely and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.