With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Elizabeth Marie Whitehead, lovingly known to many as "Lil Re." Elizabeth departed this world on July 3, 2026, having blessed it with eighty-four years of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion. Born December 1, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Flossie and Melvin Perry, whose spirit she carried forward into every chapter of her remarkable journey.

Elizabeth’s life was defined by her selfless service and abundant love for family. As a dedicated private in-home nurse, she brought comfort and dignity to those in her care, earning the trust and admiration of countless individuals and families. Her gentle hands brought healing, and her steadfast presence was a balm to many during their most vulnerable moments. In both her professional calling and her personal life, Elizabeth was guided by empathy and grace.

Perhaps her proudest accomplishment was not just raising her children but also empowering them to flourish. Elizabeth took great joy in starting businesses for her children, sowing seeds of opportunity and self-reliance that will continue to bear fruit for generations. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of her family—the love she poured into her children, grandchildren, and all those she claimed as her own.

Elizabeth’s absence is deeply felt by her Children; Tonya(Glenn) Keaton, Leslie(Darnell) Hines, Lewis(Tracy) Whitehead, and Yolanda(Marcus) Bendolph. Her circle of love extended generously to her special cousins Linda Williams, Jerome Williams, Michael Williams, Barb Rice, and Gloria Shakleford, who each cherished her wisdom and warmth.

Elizabeth’s legacy continues through her many grandchildren: Tony (Britney) Whitehead, Twan Whitehead, Rodney(Shay)Clark, Lorenzo(Laura)Whitehead, Nikita Lindsay, Jerome Lindsay, Jajuan (Sierra) Hunter, Antwan Cotton, Tandra (Wes)Robinson, Benita, Jordan Williams, Dauquan Scott, Olivia (Kevin) Lee, Andrew Bendolph, Elizabeth (Gvon) Whitehead, Solomon Whitehead, Vicky (Jose) Araujo, Vincent, and Simone. A Host of nieces and nephews. Each carries forward a piece of her indomitable spirit, strengthened by her encouragement and profound belief in their promise.

She joins in eternal rest, her beloved son Benjamin Whitehead, her parents Flossie and Melvin Perry,her grandmother Annie Ervin, her granddaughter Jennifer Bendolph, her great-granddaughter Sielena Johnson-Hunter, her sister Phyllis-Ann, and her brother William Perry, beloved Lewis Whitehead, and two special cousins, Diana and Margaret Ervin. The reunion, surely, will be filled with love and laughter familiar to all who knew her.

Those wishing to honor Elizabeth’s memory are invited to join in the farewell and celebration of her life. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2188 Woodward Ave, Columbus, OH 43219. Following the service, interment will take place at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, OH 43223, at 12:00 p.m.

Elizabeth Marie Whitehead’s legacy is everlasting—her compassionate heart, her resolute faith in her family, and her lifelong stewardship of kindness are her enduring gifts to all who mourn her loss and celebrate her memory. As we bid farewell, we find solace in the love she shared and the enduring mark she leaves upon our lives.