Amber Jean Whitaker

Born in Naples in 1983, Amber is survived by her father, Gregory Whitaker of Naples, FL and her mother and step-father Sande and Ed Smith of Maiden, NC. She leaves behind her loving sisters Alyssandra Whitaker of Charlotte, NC, Annah Whitaker of Naples, FL and Ashtyn Whitaker of Boone, NC. She is also survived by her brother Tyler Smith of Maiden, NC. Her sister, Teal Liliana Whitaker welcomed her to heaven with open arms. Amber cherished her family and lived with her father, her grandmother, Lilian “Nonna” Whitaker and her favorite aunt, Yvette Whitaker for the past 15 years. She is also survived by maternal grandparents Donald and Jean Meyer of Hayesville, NC and her aunts Yvonne Lessman, Patti Whitaker. Jewell Whitaker, and Lusia Gradus of Naples, FL and uncles Don Meyer (Rita) of Pensacola, FL and Doug Meyer (Kim) of Cape Coral, FL. Surviving cousins include Rachel Baker and Kristine Jordan of Naples, FL and Jessica Meyer, Doug Meyer and Becky Meyer. A constant joy for Amber was spending time with her little cousins Sebastian and Jillian Jordan and Lucas Bittner. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to her close friends Jilian Lionheart of Orlando, FL and Jennifer Kane of Naples, FL.

Amber was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, August, 2012, and fought a courageous battle for 18 months. Every day, with her father by her side, she endured chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant and many more treatments in her fight for remission. She was an inspiration to all those around her.

Amber attended Naples High School and graduated as salutatorian from Denicole Private Academy in 2002. She attended Edison State College and was on her way to attend Valencia College in Orlando shortly before being diagnosed. Her dream was to pursue a career in music engineering. Her passion was music and she shared this love with her parents. Amber and her father hoped to tour New Orleans once she was in remission. She enjoyed watching movies and cooking shows.

We wish to thank friends and the community for their support through this difficult time. Special thanks are shared with her medical team including the doctors at Moffitt in Tampa, Dr. Hanus, Dr. Kosloff, Dr. Hanson and the caring staff at Avow Hospice.

Services and Amber’s celebration of life will be held Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Hodges Funeral Home, visitation to be held from 3:00-4:00pm followed by service and reception.

Donations may be made in honor of Amber to Avow Hospice of Naples.