andrew diow whitehead
1903-1976
Life Story
Birth and Parentage
Andrew Diow Whitehead was born on June 22, 1903, in Lawrence, Newton County, Mississippi. He was the third child born to Ambrose Whitehead (1876–1960) and Marietta Clevie Walker Whitehead (1879–1968), who together were the parents of twelve children.
Early Life and Education
Andrew was raised in the Lawrence community, where he worked as a farm hand on the family farm during his early years. He completed the eighth grade of elementary school, a level of education typical for rural Black youth of his generation and sufficient to support both agricultural labor and later industrial work.
At an early age, he united with Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church of Lawrence, where he became a faithful member.
Church Life and Religious Service
Andrew Whitehead remained deeply committed to church service throughout his life. At Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, he served for several years as Superintendent of the Sunday School, reflecting both leadership ability and trust within the congregation.
After migrating to Chicago in 1939, he united with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued his Christian service as a Sunday School teacher and was active in the Baptist Training Union (B.T.U.).
In 1960, he was ordained as a deacon and went on to serve on the church finance committee for nineteen years, demonstrating long-term stewardship and administrative responsibility.
Marriage and Family
Andrew Whitehead was married twice.
His first marriage was to Virgie Hitt Williams (1900–?), and from this union were born:
- Rev. Rudolph Whitehead (1932–2010)
- Charles Edward Whitehead (1934–2003)
On December 23, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, he married his second wife, Mattie Brantley Whitehead (1907–?).
In addition to his biological children, the obituary record reflects that he also had adopted children, further underscoring his role as a family man.
- Roxie Ann Whitehead
- Calvin Whitehead
Migration and Occupation
During the late 1930s, Andrew joined the Great Migration north. By 1940, he was living in Chicago, Illinois, where he initially resided with his sister and her husband.
In Chicago, he found employment in the railroad industry, providing steady work that supported his household and allowed him to remain active in church and community life.
Death and Funeral Services
Andrew Diow Whitehead died on Wednesday morning, August 25, 1976, in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, at the age of 73 years and two months, following a period of illness.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, August 19, at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi. The service was officiated by his son, Rev. Rudolph Whitehead, assisted by Rev. William E. Linton and Rev. Moore. Burial was in the church cemetery, with Mapp Funeral Home directing.
He is laid to rest at Union Chapel United Methodist Church graveyard in the Lawrence community.
Survivors
Andrew Whitehead was survived by his wife, Mattie Whitehead; three sons, Rev. Rudolph Whitehead of Newton, Charles Edward Whitehead, and Calvin Whitehead; one daughter, Roxie Ann Whitehead; four sisters, Mrs. Inez Caples and Mrs. Cora Viverette, both of Chicago, Mrs. Virginia Dare Evans of Newton, and Mrs. Thelma Denson of Hattiesburg; two brothers, Archelaus Whitehead of Lawrence and Elijah Whitehead of Newton; three grandchildren; an aunt, Mrs. Ada E. Whitehead Adkins of Decatur; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Legacy
Andrew Diow Whitehead’s life reflects the steady pattern of his generation: rooted in land and church in Newton County, strengthened through migration and industrial labor, and sustained by lifelong religious service. Whether in Mississippi or Chicago, he remained committed to faith, family, and stewardship, leaving a legacy carried forward through his children and church leadership.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Andrew D. Whitehead Obituary, Wed, Aug 25, 1976 ·Page 6
- Cook County, Illinois Death Index, 1908-1988
- Cook County, Illinois Marriage Index, 1930-1960
- U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Newton Record, Ambrous Whitehead Obituary, Wed, Nov 09, 1960 ·Page 11
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