Coneta Marie Whitten

Coneta Marie Buckner Whitten of Stevensville, MD, joined her heavenly father on Sunday, May 24. She was 87. She was born on September 4, 1927, in Pocahontas, AR, the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Ella Lee Asher Buckner. She graduated from Pocahontas High School in the Class of 1945. Mrs. Whitten came to Washington, DC, to support the war effort and found her first job at the Naval Gun Factory, now the Washington Navy Yard. She then worked at the Pentagon until 1951. During her time in DC, Coneta met a young sailor and the love of her life on the grounds of the Washington Monument. She and Harlan Lee Whitten were married on September 22, 1947, and they moved to Landover Hills, MD, where they started their family. Coneta had many friends, including those at Landover Hills Baptist Church. She was an avid reader and also loved watching sports (a Redskins and Senators fan in her younger days), bowling, camping, and vacationing to Ocean City. Her family was her pride and joy, and she spoiled them regularly with her famous chicken and dumplings and homemade donuts, using her wedding ring to create the donut hole. In the mid 70’s, Coneta, Lee, and family built a home on Kent Island where they became members of the First Baptist Church. Although her choice of teams changed to cheering for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles, her love of family, neighbors, and her faith never wavered. Coneta savored living on Kent Island and enjoyed all the sunshine and seafood the area had to offer, especially a good fish sandwich. Her husband of nearly 60 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren filled her heart with every gathering. She is survived by two daughters, Saundra Barrett with husband Archie of Stevensville, MD, and Susan Ryan with her love Bob Nelson of Seabrook, MD; her grandchildren, David, Ryan and Lacie Whitten, Jason Ryan, and Aaron, Loren, and Austin Barrett; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, Michael Whitten, in 1996; and her siblings; Betty Whitten, Cona Chipouras, and Brance Buckner. A memorial service is planned for Friday, May 29, at Kent Island Baptist Church at 11 a.m. at 300 State Street in Stevensville, MD, where the family will receive relatives and friends an hour before the service. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to First Baptist Church of Kent Island in Stevensville, or Compass Regional Hospice at 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD.

Coneta Marie Whitten

September 4, 1927 - May 24, 2015