Iris Marlene Whitaker

Iris Marlene Whitaker, 88, of Vinton, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Gracie Dillon, and her husband, Kenneth Whitaker. Marlene was known for her love of baking and took great joy in creating beautiful cakes to share with family and friends. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply brightening someone's day, her homemade confections were always made with love. Marlene was also a devoted cat lover and welcomed many cherished feline companions into her life throughout the years. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, April Witcher (Otis), Deborah Shepard, and Angela Altice; her son, Robert Altice; her grandchildren, Tamara Witcher (Keegan Fair), Sonya Shepard, James Jesse, Marissa Casey (Rasheen), and Anthony Price II; her great-grandchildren, Wynter Shepard, Amnesty, Jalen, D.J. Casey, Marley, and James Jesse Jr.; her brother, Lynwood Dillon (Donna); and numerous nieces and nephews. Marlene will be remembered for her kind heart, her love for family, and the joy she brought to others through her baking and generous spirit. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.