Olive Virginia Whitelock's Obituary
Olive Virginia Spriggs Whitelock, age 82, of Seaford, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 25, 1943, in Ewell, Maryland (Smith Island), she was the daughter of the late Doris (Tyler) and George Harvey Spriggs, Sr.
Mrs. Whitelock dedicated a lifelong career to the state of Delaware, working as a Justice of the Peace Court Clerk in Sussex County for 36 years. She was known for her commitment and strong work ethic. She graduated from Crisfield High School in 1961 and went on to attend business school for several years in Baltimore, Maryland.
In 1965, Olive married the love of her life, Benjamin Elliott Whitelock, in Ewell, Maryland. After 53 wonderful years of marriage, Benjamin unfortunately passed away in 2018.
Mrs. Whitelock was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and the Crisfield-Smith Island Cultural Alliance. She was also a supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project and the Wreaths Across America program along with many other philanthropic organizations.
Mrs. Whitelock found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved vacationing “over home” on Smith Island, where she remained deeply connected to her roots. Olive was an exceptional cook, especially known for her Smith Island Layer Cakes, and enjoyed reading in her spare time. She was an avid piano and organ player. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family and grandchildren, which was her greatest happiness. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
Mrs. Whitelock is lovingly remembered by her children: Benjamin Eric Whitelock (Mary Louise), Jonathan Howard Whitelock (Lisa), and Candace Leigh Whitelock; her grandchildren: Benjamin Eric Whitelock Jr. and wife, Jennifer, Mason Deane Whitelock (Samantha Brewer), Christian Lloyd Whitelock (Haley Malice), Katharine Elizabeth Whitelock (Daniel Buchanan), and Jensen Elias Whitelock; and her beloved granddog, Chanel. She is also survived by many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin Elliott Whitelock.
Funeral services and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Olive Whitelock’s memory to St. John’s United Methodist Church, 300 North Pine Street, Seaford, Delaware 19973, Ewell United Methodist Church, 20851 Caleb Jones Road, Ewell, Maryland 21824, or the Smith Island Cultural Center, 20846 Caleb Jones Road, Ewell, Maryland 21824.
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