Lebreska Vest Whitaker
Lebreska Vest Whitaker “Aunt B”, 54, of Hardy, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wesley “Tommy” Benjamin Vest, and her grandparents, Richard and Joise Linkous and Jackson and Myrtle Vest.
Left to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 28 years, James Richard Whitaker Jr. She is also survived by her mother and bonus father, Phyllis and Harold Kirk; her mother-in-law, Roselma Whitaker; her brother and sister-in-law, Wesley and Kim Vest; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Robin and Terry Gallimore and Anna and Perry Wade; her sister-in-law and husband, Marjorie and Joe Atkins; and her brother-in-law, William Macbayer Whitaker.
Lebreska was a proud and loving aunt to many nieces and nephews: Glendon and Jessica Jones, Shane Gallimore and Erica Teats, Aaron Vest, Tommy Vest, Hailey Wade and Adam Bradshaw, Josie Wade, Erika Vest, Brandon Atkins, and Amelia and Alexander Whitaker. She also adored her five great-nieces and nephews, who were truly the light of her life: Braxton and Kinsley Jones, Olivia Teats, and Jackson and Benjamin Gallimore. Lebreska also leaves behind her dear and lifelong best friend, Terri Shelor. Lebreska never took for granted the love of her family and the encouragement of her many friends, often sharing how much their support meant to her.
Lebreska dedicated over 20 years of service to the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office, where she proudly served as a School Resource Officer at several schools, most recently Crystal Spring Elementary School. The love she had for the students she worked with was evident to everyone who knew her. She had a special gift for connecting with children, making them feel safe, valued, and important, and she never missed an opportunity to brighten their day.
She lived her life with joy, laughter, and a deep love for others. Lebreska enjoyed spending time outdoors, traveling on cruises and vacations, and most of all spending time with family and friends. She treasured making memories with her nieces and nephews, often treating them to trips to the local ice cream shop. There was nothing like the excitement in a child’s eyes when they saw her, knowing she would get down on the floor to play with them and fill the room with laughter and giggles. Those moments meant the world to her.
Lebreska shared a particularly special bond with her niece Jessica. From an early age, Jessica stole Lebreska’s heart. As Jessica’s family grew, that same loving connection extended to Jessica and Glendon’s children, Braxton and Kinsley, who both deeply loved their “Aint B.” The love she had for them was endless, and the memories they shared will forever remain in their hearts.
The love between Lebreska and her husband, James, was truly special. Their relationship was built on unwavering love, support, friendship, and laughter. Through every season of life, they stood side by side, sharing a bond that was admired by many.
Lebreska will be deeply missed by her family, friends, coworkers, and the many children whose lives she touched. Her kindness, laughter, and loving spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She would want everyone to remember the joy she shared, the laughter she loved, and the many fun memories made together—and to keep telling their favorite “Breska stories.”
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Dublin United Methodist Church in Dublin, Virginia, with Pastor Don Shelor officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Hunters Cemetery in the Little Creek Community.
Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather for a meal at Glendon and Jessica’s home (beside the graveyard) to share stories and celebrate Lebreska’s life.
In honor of Lebreska and her courageous fight, the family asks that those attending the service wear pink.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Lebreska’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at: https://www.komen.org/ or the Carilion Clinic Foundation at: https://www.carilionfoundation.org/give.
Her love, laughter, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The Whitaker family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.
