OCEOLER WHITEHEAD

Oceoler Whitehead was born on November 6,1936 to James Ross and Roberta
Woods Ross in San Diego, Ca. She was the third of eleven children, the first girl
and named after her paternal grandmother, Oceoler Foster.
From an early age, Oceoler was lovingly known as “Ocie”.
She received her formal education from San Diego City Schools and graduated
from San Diego High School in 1954.
As a young child, Ocie’s parents instilled in she and her siblings faith in God
and they were raised attending the Church of God Evening Light Saints. As a
result, Ocie developed a personal relationship with Lord Jesus who remained the
Cornerstone of her life.
As an adult, Ocie remained close to her parents and siblings and eventually
crossed paths with James “Jimmy” Whitehead. The two fell in love and married
on November 30, 1966. They made a beautiful home and raised six children
together. For many years, their home was the gathering place for the Ross family
every Christmas and other occasions, always providing delicious food, lots of
laughs, good times and love.
Ocie’s devotion to her children was unwavering and she worked as a
homemaker until beginning her career with San Diego Unified School District.
She retired after over 20 years of dedication and service specifically to Pershing
Jr High School students. Ocie cherished being a grandmother and ensured that her
presence in her grandchildren’s lives taught them faith, values and helped shaped
their futures. She also proudly supported and celebrated their endeavors and
accomplishments.
Ocie was a “people person”, always friendly and loved to talk. She had a strong
yet sweet spirit and a laugh so unique it caused others to laugh with her.
In addition to spending time with family, Ocie enjoyed watching sports, soap
operas and talk shows. Her favorite was The Oprah Winfrey Show and she often
commented about being proud of Oprah’s triumphs and success. Ocie loved the
Church of God Evening Light Saints and when she could no longer attend due to
health challenges, she did her best to study the Sunday School and Bible lessons
on her own. Ocie remained full of life, wisdom and the Joy of the Lord. She never
ceased or hesitated to praise the Lord and was known to boldly declare, “God is
good” to anyone she encountered.
On April 15th, 2025, after 88 years of God’s amazing Grace, God called Ocie
home. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband James Whitehead, son
Daryl Barnette, daughter Lisa Patrick, grandson Nicholas Wickware; parents James
and Roberta Ross and siblings, Gene Ross, Lawrence Ross and Gloria Davis.
She leaves to celebrate her life, sons Michael Barnette and Norman
Whitehead; daughters, Cheryl Barnette and Michelle Wickware; son-in-law
Michael Wickware; daughter-in-law Keri Whitehead; grandsons, Jason Wickware,
Sr and Robert Whitehead; granddaughters Tayler, Mariah and Alyssa Whitehead;
great grandchildren Jason Jr, Ja’Khai and Janiya Wickware and Avery Andrade.
Siblings, James Ross, Berta Lee Rodgers, Charlesetta Smith, Richard Ross, Arnita
Erwin, Carolyn Bailey and Ernest Ross; sister-in-law Shirley Ross and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lorn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord
Lead me home .....

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