Felton Whitehead Sr

Felton Whitehead Sr. was born on February 29, 1936, to Rosa Bell Johnson and Lazarus Whitehead in Polk County, Florida, as the youngest child in this union. At a young age, Felton accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, grounding his life in faith.

Felton completed four years of high school before proudly serving in the United States Army, where he distinguished himself, earning a Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksman certification, and attaining the rank of Specialist three.

After returning from his service, Felton began a dedicated career as a machine maintenance mechanic. His hard work and commitment led to a promotion to supervisor, a position he held with honor until his retirement in 2003. Felton married the love of his life, Claudette Whitehead, whom he met in 1973 while they both worked at Capital Mailing. The two married on August 16, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, where they shared a life together for 49 cherished years. Felton and Claudette were blessed with one son, Felton Whitehead Jr.

Felton will be fondly remembered as an avid fisherman, a devoted Chicago sports fan who supported the Bulls and Bears, and an incredible gardener. His green thumb produced abundant seasonal harvests, which he generously shared with neighbors, freezing and preserving what he couldn’t give away.

Felton was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Bell Johnson and Lazarus Whitehead; his sister, Mildred Isaac; his brother, John (JW) Whitehead, U.S. Army; his nieces, Marjorie Cain and Sharon Whitehead; his nephew, John Whitehead Jr.; his grandson, Brandon Cage; and his godson, Jerry Kennedy.

Felton leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Claudette Whitehead; stepchildren, Arturo and Elisa Cage; daughters, Joyce (Lannis) Mitchell of Macon, Georgia, and Michelle (Sam) Brown; son, Felton Whitehead Jr.; nineteen grandchildren, including Shay, William Cage, Adonis Sandifer, Kabria, Kamari, Andrea Cage, Laniya (Michelle), Kyra, and Kira Whitehead; twenty-five great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren, including Daisy, Lorena, Josh, and Lil Brandon Cage. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Jaunita Pye, along with many other loving relatives and friends.Felton will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, love, and resilience will remain in our hearts forever.

Although Felton lived in Chicago for over 50 years, he still enjoyed going home to visit his extended family and friends. While in Georgia, he would go fishing, help dress the fish then enjoy a hearty meal outside as the sun was going down. Felton’s presence will be greatly missed by his oldest daughter, Joyce (Lannis) Mitchell of Meigs, Georgia. Joyce and Lannis have three children (Felton’s grandchildren): Regina (Shay) Mitchell, Roncin (Tammy) Mitchell, Sr. and Renard Mitchell, Sr.

Felton’s great-grandchildren in Georgia are: De’Amyas Mitchell, Roncin Mitchell, Jr., Cedric Jones, Jr., Rondesja Mitchell, Renard Mitchell, Jr., Shadavia Mitchell, Rhi’Anna Mitchell, Peyton Lewis, Renaiya Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Jamarie Mitchell, Raeland Mitchell, Ka’Leaha Mitchell. Felton’s great-great-grandchildren in Georgia are: De’Mya, De’Amyas, Jr, Demi and Drea Joy. Felton’s daughter, Michelle (Samuel) Brown, live in Plainfield, IL. They have seven children (Felton’s grandchildren): Kevin (Leticia Aveiga) Roberson, Azevius (Erica Harris) Freeman, Kyle (Shanele) Roberson, Janika (Roy Jr.) Cobb, Shaquita Brown, Cameron Walker and Lonnie Hoover. Felton’s great-grandchildren: Kyle Roberson, Jr., Alexis Brownlow, Delawrence Brownlow, Kylin Rayner, Ariana Ballard, Kyler Roberson, Armon Simmons, Kaelynn Rayner, Alajah Roberson and Roy Cobb III. Felton’s great-great grandchild: Ky’mir Roberson. Felton has another great-grandson who proceeded him in death: Kelvyn Roberson. Felton didn’t get a chance to meet all of his extended family but his legacy will live on through each and every one of them.