Annie Rachael Whitfield Strothers, 81, of 106 Beech St., Suffolk, died Monday, March 17, 2003, in Obici Hospital. A native of Nansemond County, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Solomon J. and Annie M. King Whitfield, and was the widow of Beacher D. Strothers. She was preceded in death by two sons, Calvin Leon Strothers Sr. and Jackie Morris Strothers.

She was a member of King’s Grove Holiness Church.

She is survived by four daughters and their spouses, Emilie S. and Tommie Butler Sr., Cecile S. and Clarence Cherry, Carolyn S. Johnson, and Brenda S. and Clinton Cofield, all of Suffolk; three sons and their spouses, R. Ulysses Whitfield of Suffolk; R. Allen and Mary Strothers of Portsmouth; and William and Marlene Strothers of Como, N.C.; a foster daughter, Catherine Arline of Suffolk; a sister-in-law, Julia Whitfield of Suffolk; 33 grandchildren, 80 great-grandchildren, and 16-great-great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at noon Saturday in Piney Grove Baptist Church by Bishop John H. Kindred. Interment will be in Carver Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1902 Freeney Ave.

Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.