Emma Joy (Staley) Whitaker, 81, of Paris, passed away Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21st at Bright-Holland Funeral Home with Rev. Tiny Freelen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wednesday. Private burial will be made in Restland Cemetery at Roxton.
Mrs. Whitaker, the daughter of Tommy Cloyd Staley & Ruby Thurman Whitaker, was born Jan. 15, 1945, in Roxton, TX.
She graduated from Roxton High School. Joy worked several years at Citizen State Bank. She, her husband Bobby, along with Bob & Lois Staley owned and operated Staley BBQ for many years. Following semi-retirement, she and Bobby managed the Williamsburg Shopping Center for more then 20 years. Joy enjoyed collecting antiques. Her greatest pleasure was preparing a meal for her family every Sunday which was like having Thanksgiving every week.
In 1964, she married Bobby Don Whitaker, building 64 years of family and memories before his death on Dec. 27, 2025. Also preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, Eugene Staley & wife Jane, Lealon Staley & wife Sue, Neva Nell Armstrong & husband Harold Lloyd, Harley Staley & wife Lucy, Jimmy Staley, Claudine Wood, and Bill Staley & wife Jan, a brother-in-law & sister-in-law, D. L. and Francis Wilson, and a sister-in-law, Lois Staley.
Survivors include two children, Jennifer Whitaker and Ryan Scott Whitaker & wife Heather, three grandchildren, Colin Whitaker, Conner Whitaker, and Crystal Glushko, a brother, Bob Staley, a sister-in-law, Norma Staley and a brother-in-law, John Wood along with many nieces & nephews and a host of friends.
The family would like to extend appreciation to her caregivers; Bailee, Ariel, and K.K. along with Silver Crest Hospice for the care given their loved one.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
