Jennifer Durbin Whittaker

Jennifer Mary Durbin Whittaker of Plainwell, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at the age of 65. She was born on January 24th, 1960, in White Plains, NY. She was the daughter of Jack and Ruth (Lawrence) Durbin. She was a devoted mother, wife, and daughter.

She spent her early years growing up on Long Island, NY with her parents and younger brother Peter. Jennifer had a interest in the beach at a young age taking swimming lessons in the Atlantic Ocean. The family would then relocate to Dearborn Michigan in 1969.

At Dearborn High School, Jennifer was a member of the swim team. She was also actively involved in Christ Episcopal Church. While in high school, she took joy in her first job waitressing at Big Boy.

Jennifer graduated from Dearborn High School with the class of 1978, ready to take on an adventure at Western Michigan University. While earning her bachelor’s degree majoring in Social Work, her minor was political science. She successfully completed an internship working for a politician as a summer job. After graduation, she was the manager of a group home successfully advocating for equality for people with disabilities. She was also a passionate advocate for people of all minority groups.

While studying at Western Michigan University, she met her husband Theodore Whittaker on a blind date. There was an instant spark between them. They had a lot in common, including the same birthday one year apart.

After Jennifer gave birth to her daughter Kelsey, she dedicated her life to being a stay-at-home mom. Jennifer's family was her world. She loved going on vacations to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. She was an avid collector of seashells and rocks. At any beach, she would collect enough seashells to fill her backpack. She would also take the family on rock hunting adventures and hikes through the Great Smokey Mountains, The Upper Peninsula, and Arizona. She enjoyed trips to Cedar Point by finding enjoyment in riding the Mean Streak repeatedly. She loved camping adventures and was an enthusiastic photographer capturing all of the scenery.

She is described by friends and family as loving her daughter’s friends as her own. Her home was always a cozy place with a fridge full of food. Her heart was always welcoming and ears were always a safe listening space to any of her daughters friends having any emotional issue whether it be a boy, teen pregnancy, or just regular teenage angst.

Throughout her life Jennifer embodied a spirit of warmth, compassion, and a strong sense of empathy. She was family oriented, ensuring that her family members felt loved and supported every day. Her memory will be held dearly by all who knew her, reflecting her kindness and not forgetting her sense of humor. She was an outspoken women who was not afraid to stand out from the crowd. She had a motto of doing what was right, not what was popular.

Jennifer had a special love for her beloved cats. She is reunited into eternal life with her cat Tuesday who she shared multiple snuggles and joy with over the years. She leaves behind her cat Majesty who she also loved dearly.

Jennifer is preceded in death by her father: Jack Durbin. Mother and father-in-law: Homer Whittaker and Patricia Whittaker.

She is survived by her husband Ted; daughter Kelsey Whittaker, of Plainwell; mother: Ruth Durbin of Dearborn MI. Brother: Peter (Brenda) Durbin of Cummings GA. Sister-in-law Candy (John) Spears of Plainwell MI. Nieces: Crystal and Tiffany Durbin of Cummings GA. Nephew: John (Sarah) Durbin of Graham North Carolina.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Friendship Wesleyan Church, 1285 102nd Ave, Plainwell MI 49080.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Jennifer's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family.

The Whittaker family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881