Rachel Ann Claiborne-Whitney

On Friday, July 25, 2025, the pearly gates swung open and Rachel walked right on in. 

Rachel Ann Claiborne Whitney was born on October 8, 1950, to the late Percy L. Claiborne and Emma Hurd. 

Rachel accepted Christ as her personal Savior early in life. She united with St. John Baptist Church and found joy in lifting her voice in the choir. She remained a devoted member of the choir until her health no longer allowed her to serve. 

Rachel was educated in the Madison Parish School System. 

Rachel met and married the love of her life, Rev. Eugene Whitney, Sr. Together they were blessed to raise nine children in the Lord, building a home rooted in faith and love. 

Rachel found joy in cooking and keeping a tidy home, but her greatest happiness came from spending cherished moments with her children and grandchildren. Her passion for nurturing through meals and maintaining a welcoming space opened doors to many opportunities as a trusted domestic worker in private homes and as a devoted custodian at several schools throughout Madison Parish. 

Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Eugene Whitney, Sr., her son, Vincent E. Whitney, her parents, Percy Claiborne and Emma Hurd, her brother Forest Claiborne, her sisters, Carolyn Nash, Samella Nellom, and Debora Claiborne. 

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, strength and resilience that echoes through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, 8 Children: Eugene Whitney, Jr. (Abbie), Ron Whitney (Demitrus), Andrea Whitney, Shelia Whitney-Ivory (Cedric), Latonia Whitney, Clifton Whitney (Sandra), Derrick Whitney, Timothy Whitney, 2 Special sons: Steve Beene, Todd Beene. 16 Grandchildren: Eugene Trey Whitney (Ketra), Brittany Sanders, Genecia Whitney, Tayla Whitney, Kimmeka Sterling, Cierra Brown, Justin Whitney, Devin Whitney, Tyler Whitney, Tylen Whitney, Briana Whitney, Kennan Whitney, Jalia Whitney, James Quinn-Green, and Kourtnee Jones. 8 Great grandchildren: Avery G. Whitney, Ashton G. Whitney, Ryleigh Hughes, Raileigh Hughes, Amaiya Ewell, Kirsten McClodden, Austin G. Whitney, and Gaylon Gordon. 4 God Children: Marcus White, Antwan McClodden Jr., Travion Jackson and Tamika H. Dillard. Sisters: Mary L. Claiborne and Savannah Johnson, Brothers: James Robinson (Crystal), Perry Washington, and Tommy Harrison. 3 Sisters-in-love: Earlene Whitney, Jeleaner Whitney, and Gloristine Roach, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, because she has never encountered a stranger. 

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