Beloved Elementary School Principal In Bergen County Dies

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Lillian Kelly Whitaker, a Hackensack principal who was so admired that people called her "Mother Teresa" of the classroom, died on Tuesday, school representatives said. She was 71.

"Your vision transformed our school into a place of hope and learning, and your legacy will continue to influence generations to come," said representatives for Nellie K. Parker School in a tribute posted on New Year's Day. The tribute includes photos of Whitaker at various school events.

The school's PTA said counselors would be made available to students when school resumed after winter break on Thursday.

The Record of Hackensack reported that Whitaker had died after an illness.

Besides serving as principal, she was the choir director at Mount Olive Baptist Church. She was also a proud mom and grandma.

"The children were the love of her life," wrote one commenter on social media.

A date for services had not been announced as of this writing, but this story will be updated when dates are public.

"Her legacy as the driving force behind the greatest school in the world is one of high expectations, compassion, and an unshakable belief in
the potential of every child," the PTA wrote.

"Principal Whitaker devoted over four decades to nurturing the minds and hearts of young learners in our city," said the Hackensack City Council, in a tribute.

Toney Jackson, a teacher in the district, published an essay Thursday about having attended Nellie K. Parker School, named for the area's first Black teacher. Whitaker is featured in the story. Read it here.

Read more about Whitaker here.