Olivia Marie Baker Whitten, 72, of Charlottesville, VA, succumbed to an aggressive form of terminal disease in her home on July 28, 2025. She was born in Charlottesville, VA, on July 16, 1953, to parents, Sarah J. and the late Leon D. Baker, Sr.

She graduated from Albemarle High School in 1971. Marie attended Virginia State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1975. Upon graduating, she taught and coached at Middlesex High School in Saluda, VA until moving back to Charlottesville and teaching at Western Albemarle High School during the 78-79 school year. Marie taught and served as department head in health and physical education at WAHS until retiring in 2017.

She is survived by her husband, William Whitten; and her children, Erika Tucker (Herman) and Matthew. She is also survived by her mother, Sarah; her brother, Leon Jr. (Cassandra), brother, Calvin (Marianne); sister, Anne Brown (Victor); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Sorors, and chosen family.

The wake will occur on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church at 632 W. Main St., Charlottesville, VA.

A Homegoing Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church. A viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. The interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville, VA.

Arrangements by J. F. Bell Funeral Home Inc. www.jfbellfuneralservices.com.

Submitted by Mary Ann Robertson