Dateline: Williamston

Ms. Barbara "Jeanette" Whitaker Gurkin, age 79, a resident of Park Drive, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

Barbara "Jeanette" Whitaker was born on February 14, 1946, in Beaufort County to Velma Whitley Whitaker and Murphy Whitaker. She graduated from Bear Grass High School class of 1964 and worked for Martin General Hospital for many years before going to work with Home Life Health and later retiring in 2009. Jeanette was a member of Rehoboth Pentecostal Holiness Church, and enjoyed cooking meals on Sunday and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also loved spending time with her friends riding out to eat at the local restaurants.

Jeanette was predeceased in death by her parents; one sister, Linda Warren, and two brothers: Donnie Whitley and Ralph Whitaker. Survivors include: her son, Albert Grey Gurkin, Jr. of Washington, a daughter, Elizabeth Gurkin Silverthorne of Williamston; two grandchildren: Taylor Silverthorne of Williamston, Addison Speller of Greenville;  two great grandchildren: Thorne Edwards and Zander Edwards of Williamston; and one brother, Douglas Whitaker of Bear Grass.

Per Jeanette's request, services will be held privately.

Floral tributes are appreciated, or memorial donations may be directed to: Rehoboth Pentecostal Holiness Church, 7611 Bear Grass Road, Bear Grass, NC 27892

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is proud to serve the Gurkin Family.