CORNELIA — Mrs. Laura Jane Jenkins Whitaker, 78, of Cornelia, passed away March 20, 2013, at Habersham Medical Center.

Born in Newberry on Dec. 11, 1933, she was a daughter of the late James Fredrick and Annie Mae McEntire Jenkins. Mrs. Whitaker was a school teacher for 33 years having retired as a librarian from Baldwin Elementary. She obtained her teaching certification from Piedmont College and a master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Georgia. She was a member of Cornelia United Methodist Church and enjoyed painting, cooking, and knitting. She was an avid story teller.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, W. R. “Coach Whit” Whitaker of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Fred & Sandra Whitaker of Toccoa; daughter and son-in-law, Stella “Tootsie” & David Price of Cornelia; grandchildren, Annie (Justin) Craig of Toccoa, Benjamin Whitaker (Kimberly) Price of Savannah, and Jane Marie Price of Cornelia.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Wayne Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Baldwin Elementary PTO, Library Fund, 894 Willingham Ave, Baldwin, GA 30511 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, 855 Abutment Rd, Ste 6, Dalton, GA 30721.

An online guest register is available for the Whitaker and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.