Marie Whitten

Marie Braden Whitten, age 91, a leader in religious, cultural, educational and humanitarian affairs in Arkansas and Oklahoma, died April 24, 2008 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

She was born in Little Rock, a daughter of the late James Monroe and Anna During Virginia Wilkins Braden. She graduated from North Little Rock High School and attended Ouachita Baptist College and the University of Texas at Austin.

She was married to Dolphus Whitten Jr. from May 1, 1939 until his death in 1998.

During the 21 years they lived in Oklahoma City, she was actively involved in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving as president of Oklahoma United Methodist Women, Chair of the Commission on the Role and Status of Women, Dean of the Conference School of Christian Mission, delegate to General Conference and numerous other positions.

She served as President of the Twentieth Century Club, Oklahoma City University Women's Club, Oklahoma Art League, Trodeo Review Club and Sigma Alpha Iota Patronesses. Marie was an active member of the Governor's Committee on the Equal Rights Amendment, Women's Committee of the Oklahoma Symphony, Lyric Theatre Guild, Ballet Oklahoma Guild, MacDowell Club, P.E.O., Oklahoma Heritage Association, Alpha Phi Fraternity, and Oklahoma City Rotary Anns.

Honors included Oklahoma Merit Mother for 1975, Cardinal Key National Honor Society, and Honorary Princess of the Chickasaw Nation.

Since returning to Arkansas in 1980, she continued her church leadership from singing in the Choir and serving on the Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church.

In 1988 she and her husband were co-recipients of the first Arkansas Endowment for the Humanities Award for Distinguished Public Programs in the Humanities.
She was inducted as an Honorary Rotarian and served as President of Colerean
Club and Arkadelphia Philharmonic Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dolphus Whitten, Jr. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne Marie Whitten and H. Robert Guy of Bethesda, Maryland; a grandson, Eric Whitten Guy also of Bethesda; and a sister, Dovie Ruby of North Little Rock.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 28, at one pm at the First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the church music program of the First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia.

The family is most appreciative of the excellent, compassionate care provided by the staff of Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation during the seven years Marie resided there. Thanks also for the ongoing love and support from her many friends.