elijah j. whitehead

elijah j. “E.J.” whitehead

1921-2001

Life Story

Elijah J. Whitehead—known warmly throughout Newton County and beyond as “E.J.”—spent eighty years building a life rooted in faith, service, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. A World War II veteran, funeral director, insurance professional, gospel music supporter, civic organizer, and church deacon, E.J. became one of the most recognizable and respected African American leaders in central Mississippi during the second half of the twentieth century.

Whether through his funeral homes, his church work, his support of youth programs, or his dedication to gospel music ministries, E.J. Whitehead devoted his life to uplifting others. His story reflects the enduring tradition of Black community leadership in rural Mississippi—where business, faith, charity, and public service often worked hand in hand.

Early Life and Family Foundations

Elijah Whitehead was born on September 13, 1921, in the Lawrence community of Newton County, Mississippi. He was the son of Ambrose B. Whitehead and Marietta “Mary Etta” Walker Whitehead, who raised a large and hardworking family deeply rooted in the rural traditions of Newton County.

By 1930, eight-year-old Elijah was living with his parents and siblings in Beat 4 of Newton County. The household included his older brothers and sisters Inez, Ara, Luada, Coraline (“Cora”), Archelaus, and Thelma. Like many Black families of the era, the Whiteheads balanced farming, education, church life, and community obligations while navigating the harsh realities of segregation in the rural South.

The 1940 census shows Elijah as a teenager working as a laborer on the family farm alongside his parents and siblings. Though opportunities were limited, he completed his first year of high school and developed the strong work ethic and discipline that would later define his military and business careers.

When he registered for the military draft in February 1942, Elijah was described as standing five feet, ten inches tall and weighing 161 pounds. He listed his mother, Mary Etta Whitehead, as his next of kin.

Military Service During and After World War II

As World War II reshaped the nation, Elijah answered the call to military service. He entered the United States Army and eventually attained the rank of Private First Class.

Army enlistment records indicate that he enlisted on November 9, 1945, at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. His military records noted that he had completed three years of high school and possessed occupational experience related to electrical machinery manufacturing.

Elijah’s service extended beyond the immediate wartime years. Army medical logs from April 1952 document his treatment at a U.S. Army station hospital during a period when he had accumulated between five and eight years of honorable military service in the Infantry.

Like many Black veterans of his generation, military service broadened E.J.’s worldview, sharpened his leadership skills, and prepared him for the influential public role he would later occupy within his home community.

Building a Business Legacy

After returning to Mississippi, E.J. Whitehead embarked upon a remarkably successful career that blended entrepreneurship, professionalism, and community trust.

Funeral Home Leadership

E.J. first established himself in funeral service through his work with the W. F. Mapp Funeral Home, where he served as manager of the Newton branch. Working alongside figures such as Sam Mapp, Jr., and Lester Whitehead, E.J. gained a reputation for compassion, organization, and professionalism during families’ most difficult moments.

Over time, he expanded into independent ownership and became one of the region’s most respected African American funeral directors. Through Whitehead & Son Funeral Home and associated chapels in Newton and Bay Springs, his businesses served families across a broad section of Mississippi, including Newton, Jasper, Smith, Scott, Jones, Leake, Covington, Rankin, Neshoba, Clarke, and Forest counties.

His funeral homes became more than businesses—they were trusted community institutions that assisted families during periods of grief and transition.

Excellence in the Insurance Industry

At the same time, E.J. developed an outstanding career in insurance sales. Working with Valley Life and Casualty Insurance Company (VALICO), he emerged as one of the company’s premier agents in Mississippi.

In February 1981, E.J. received VALICO’s highest distinction when he earned membership in the company’s prestigious President’s Club as Mississippi’s top-performing sales agent. The honor rewarded him and his wife with an all-expense-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, where they toured luxury resorts and attended major entertainment events.

His success in insurance reflected not only salesmanship, but also the trust he cultivated among the people he served.

Civic Leadership and Community Service

E.J. Whitehead believed deeply that success carried an obligation to serve others. Throughout his life, he remained active in civic organizations, agricultural improvement programs, charitable fundraising, and local leadership efforts.

Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club

In December 1963, E.J. was elected President of the Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club, an organization dedicated to improving agricultural practices, home economics, and quality of life within the Black rural community of Lawrence.

Adult Leaders and Farmers Council

The following year, in January 1964, he was elected Vice President of the Adult Leaders and Farmers Council. Working alongside Newton County agricultural leaders Rubin Hoskin and Mitchell Howard, Jr., E.J. also chaired the organization’s program committee, helping coordinate educational demonstrations and civic engagement activities throughout the county.

Support for Youth and 4-H Programs

E.J.’s commitment to community development extended to young people as well. In 1989, he was recognized for his years of service and support of local 4-H programs, receiving recognition among community volunteers and leaders who encouraged youth participation, education, and leadership development throughout Newton County.

United Givers Fund

E.J. and his wife Esther were also active participants in local charitable fundraising efforts. During the 1987 United Givers Fund campaign, which sought to raise $16,500 for community assistance programs, E.J. served as a campaign worker while Esther Whitehead served as a Special Division Co-Chairman alongside Helen Henry and Dessie Pilate.

Their involvement reflected a lifelong commitment to supporting the welfare of their broader community.

Jury Service

In March 1970, E.J. was selected to serve on the Newton County Petit Jury, further demonstrating the respect and trust he held within local civic life.

Faith, Gospel Music, and Church Leadership

At the center of Elijah Whitehead’s life stood his unwavering Christian faith.

He was a lifelong member and devoted deacon of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi. Beyond his local church, he also served for many years as Secretary of the Third New Hope District Association, helping support regional church administration and fellowship.

E.J. possessed a deep love for traditional Black gospel quartet music and became widely known for his involvement in gospel ministries throughout Mississippi.

He served as manager of the famed quartet group, the Mighty Kings of Harmony of Newton. Under his leadership and sponsorship, the group traveled extensively and became highly respected throughout the region.

A 1973 newspaper article documenting the first anniversary celebration of the Scott County Gospel Chorus noted that the organization was sponsored by Elijah Whitehead and the Mighty Kings of Harmony, illustrating E.J.’s influence beyond Newton County and his role in promoting gospel music ministries across central Mississippi.

Because of his dedication to gospel music and community service, churches and musical organizations frequently honored E.J. and his wife through appreciation programs. Notable celebrations took place in April 1985 at Jerusalem M.B. Church and again in November 1986 at Nazareth Baptist Church in Bay Springs. These events featured guest speakers, choirs, quartets, and community tributes recognizing the Whiteheads’ years of service to churches, schools, civic organizations, and musical ministries.

Family Life

E.J. shared more than five decades of marriage with his devoted wife, Esther Forte Whitehead. Together they built a life centered on faith, business, family, and service.

The couple raised their son Marcus while remaining deeply connected to their extended family network throughout Mississippi, Chicago, and beyond. In May 1969, E.J., Esther, and Marcus traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to participate in a large Whitehead Family Reunion attended by relatives from Newton County, Decatur, Jackson, and Illinois.

Family gatherings remained an important part of E.J.’s life, reinforcing the bonds that connected generations of the Whitehead family across the South and Midwest.

Final Years and Lasting Legacy

Elijah J. Whitehead passed away on December 2, 2001, at Newton Regional Hospital at the age of eighty.

His homegoing celebration was held on December 8, 2001, at his beloved Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi. In a fitting tribute to his life’s work, funeral arrangements were handled by Whitehead & Son Funeral Home, the very institution he helped build.

He was laid to rest in the Lawrence Cemetery.

E.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose and Marietta Whitehead, as well as a son and daughter. He left behind his wife Esther, his son Marcus, his sisters Cora Viverette of Chicago and Virginia D. Evans of Newton, and a vast extended family and community touched by his generosity and leadership.

Today, Elijah J. “E.J.” Whitehead is remembered not only as a successful businessman, but as a man whose life embodied service. Through his church leadership, military service, charitable work, funeral homes, youth involvement, and support of gospel music, he helped shape the social and spiritual life of Newton County for generations.

Resting Place

Union Chapel United Methodist Church

Photos/Albums

Sources

Birth Date and Location: “Elijah Whitehead,” Birth Place: Lawrence New [New Lawrence], Mississippi, Birth Date: 13 Sep 1921. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
1930 Federal Census: Household of Ambrose B. Whitehead, Beat 4, Newton County, Mississippi, Dwelling 182, Family 188. “Elijah J. Whitehead, Age 8, Son.” Twelfth Census of the United States, 1930.
1940 Federal Census: Household of Ambrose Whitehead, Newton County, Mississippi, Sheet 15B. “E. J. Whitehead, Age 17, Son, Inferred Residence 1935: Roberts, Newton County.” Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940.
World War II Draft Registration: “Elijah Whitehead, Age 20, Birth Place: Lawrence, Miss., Residence: Lawrence, Newton Co., Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942, Next of Kin: Mary Etta Whitehead.” U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
Military Service (1945–1952)
U.S. Army Enlistment (1945): “Elijah Whitehead, Enlistment Date: 9 Nov 1945, Enlistment Place: Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, Rank: Private First Class, Education: 3 years of high school.” U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946.
Army Hospitalization Record (1952): “Elijah Whitehead, Admission Age 30, Infantry, Service: 5–8 years.” U.S., WWII Military Personnel Missing and Hospitalization Records, 1942-1954 (NARA Medical Log, April–May 1952).
Business Career & Entrepreneurship
W.F. Mapp Funeral Home Management: Staff Directory and Group Photograph, “W. F. Mapp Funeral Home… E. J. Whitehead, Newton branch manager; Lester Whitehead, assistant manager.” The Newton Record .
VALICO President’s Club Award (1981): “Wins Presidents Club Award Is Many of The Year: Elijah Whitehead of Newton has received VALICO’s highest honor… top sales agent for Valley Life and Casualty Insurance Co. in Mississippi.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 25 Feb 1981, p. 14.
Whitehead and Sons Funeral Home Regional Footprint: “Appreciation Day April 21 For Elijah Whitehead… for the services rendered through the Whitehead and Son’s Funeral Home of Bay Springs, in Clark, Jones, Scott, Leake, Forest, Neshoba, Rankin, Jasper, Smith, Covington, and Newton counties.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 10 Apr 1985, p. 2.
Civic Leadership & Community Engagement
Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club (1963): “Lawrence Negro RD Elects ’64 Officers: The Lawrence Negro Rural Development Club held its regular meeting Dec. 13 and elected officers for 1964 as follows: Elijah J. Whitehead, president.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 18 Dec 1963, p. 11.
Adult Leaders and Farmers Council (1964): “Negro Adult Leaders Farmers Council… elected officers for 1964… E. J. Whitehead, vice president; Elijah Whitehead, program committee chairman; Esther Whitehead, reporter.” The Newton Record [Jan 1964].
Newton County Petit Jury Duty (1970): “Juries Listed: Petit Juries are: No. 1 — James L. Cater… Elijah Whitehead… ” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 25 Mar 1970, p. 1.
United Givers Fund (UGF) Drive (1987): “UGF Drive Now Underway… Division Chairmen are… Dessie Pilate and Esther Whitehead. Workers for the UGF Drive are… Elijah Whitehead.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 14 Oct 1987, p. 1.
Church, Gospel Music, & Family Events
1969 Whitehead Family Reunion: “Whitehead Reunion: The Whitehead reunion was held in Chicago, Ill., May 30. Relatives who attended from Newton were: Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitehead and Marcus, Mr. and Mrs. Huey Evans and three children…” The Newton Record [undated clipping, June 1969].
1985 Church Appreciation Day: “Appreciation Day April 21 For Elijah Whitehead… The Kings of Harmony Singers of Newton will honor Elijah Whitehead… program will be held at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrence.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 10 Apr 1985, p. 2.
1986 Gospel Music Appreciation Day: “Appreciation Day: The Kings of Harmony singer of Newton, Mississippi will honor Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Whitehead with an Appreciation Day on the Second Sunday in November (November 9, 1986)… Deacon Huey Evans of the Male Chorus of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church is the Master of Ceremonies.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 5 Nov 1986, p. 2.
Death & Obituary (2001)
Social Security Death Index: “E. J. Whitehead, Birth Date: 13 Sep 1921, Death Date: 2 Dec 2001, Last Residence: 39345, Newton, Newton, Mississippi.” U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014.
Mississippi Death Certificate Index: “Elijah Whitehead, Death Date: 2 Dec 2001, Father: Ambrose Whitehead, Mother: Mary E Walker, Death Certificate Number: 26435-01.” Mississippi, U.S., Index to Deaths, 1912-2004.
Published Obituary: “Funeral services for eighty year old Mr. E. J. ‘Elijah’ Whitehead… at Jerusalem M. B. Church in Lawrence. Interment will be in the Lawrence Cemetery… departed this life at the Newton Regional Hospital December 2, 2001… survivors include his wife of fifty-six years, Mrs. Ester Forte Whitehead, and one son, Marcus A. Whitehead.” The Newton Record (Newton, MS), 5 Dec 2001, Wed, Page 15 (jt).

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