Jennifer Lavern ("Mack") Whitfield

Jennifer Lavern Whitfield, affectionately known as “Jean,” age 82, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, peacefully entered eternal rest on January 14, after a brief illness, at St. Francis Medical Center in Midlothian, Virginia. She gained her Heavenly wings surrounded by care and love.

Jennifer was born on May 24, 1943, in Swainsboro, Georgia, to the late Mr. Robert Mack and Irene J. Mack. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a devoted member of Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir and faithfully taught Sunday School.

She received her early education in the Emanuel County Public School System and graduated from Emanuel County High School in 1961. Jennifer earned a partial scholarship to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she proudly played the flute and clarinet in the renowned Blue and Gold Marching Machine (BGMM). She later transitioned into the role of Lead Majorette for the then-named “Untouchables.”

While visiting the campus prior to her official enrollment, Jennifer courageously participated in the historic Greensboro Four sit-in on February 1, 1960—an event widely recognized as the catalyst for the national student-led sit-in movement of the Civil Rights Era. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1965.

Following graduation, Jennifer returned to Georgia, where she taught English and Social Studies at Emanuel County High School for two years. In 1969, she relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she later earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Lincoln University.

In 1973, Jennifer began her distinguished career with the City of Philadelphia as a Pre-Sentence Investigator for the Court of Common Pleas. She served with dedication and integrity for 30 years, retiring in 2003 after a legacy of faithful public service.

Jennifer was an active and devoted member of Zion Baptist Church, serving in numerous capacities. She was a member of three choirs, served as Group 11 Leader, and chaired Women’s Day in 1996. Affectionately known throughout the city as “The Flea Market Lady,” Jennifer organized and hosted some of the largest and most successful church flea markets in Philadelphia. Her commitment to civic engagement extended beyond the church. Jennifer served as Treasurer and Recording Secretary for the NAACP Philadelphia Chapter and the National Association of Parliamentarians (Montgomeryville Unit). On August 21, 1976, Jennifer married Willie Whitfield. From this union, one child was born, Patrice Jabril Whitfield.

Jennifer greatly enjoyed bowling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. She was famously known as a pool shark and a formidable pinochle player, frequently seen competing in tournaments across the state. Her life was marked by Kindness, generosity, and a steadfast willingness to be there for others-a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Jennifer was precede in death by her beloved husband, Mr Willie Whitfield; father Robert C. Mack, Jr., mother Irene Mack, and grandson, Hiram Prince Whitfield.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory, loving son; Patrice J. Whitfield (Shontel); two stepsons; Reginald Jones (Karen),and Allen Holmes (Libby); her brother; Archie Dukes,  nephews; Branard Dukes, and Quintin Dukes; grandaughters Kamryn Whitfield, and Kai Whitfield, a host of  step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, her godson Antonio Perez,  her god-daughter Nyid Coleman; special friends; Shirley Williams Jordan, Shirley "Pumpkin" Roberts, Ms. Cherie Hackett, and her cherished Virginia family who held a special place in her heart.

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