Anna Marie Kinsey Whitten

AnnaMarie Kinsey Whitten was born on September 3, 1943 to the late Earl Eugene Kinsey Sr. and Waltertina Kinsey in New Brunswick, NJ. She was affectionately called Ms. Ann. AnnaMarie was the oldest daughter of six girls of 13 siblings. She attended New Brunswick Public Schools. She grew up in First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens where she attended Sunday school. As a young girl Annamarie loved cooking and baking. Later in her young adult live she married the late David Whitten Sr. of New Brunswick, NJ; whom she later divorced. In the late 60’s she met the love of her life and lifetime companion George Wilkins in Newark, NJ where she resided for most of her adult life. AnnaMarie and George both shared a passion for cooking. She worked in many establishments where she was allowed to show off her cooking skills. It made her happy when she saw all the smiles from people enjoying her cooking and baking delectable. AnnaMarie and George owned and worked in a restaurant that was formerly known as Belmont Diner on Belmont Street in Newark, NJ. In addition to their last establishment which was called Back Yard BBQ in Plainfield, NJ which operated for approximately 15 years. AnnaMarie and George picked up their family and moved to Rahway, NJ. That was the place for many family BBQs, Music. Bid Whist, Spades and Swimming. Every now and again; when her favorite Al Green Song comes on you can see Ann swaying to “Love and Happiness”, you can add Otis Redding and James Brown to the list. She enjoyed watching the Prices Right, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and the Soap Opera Days of Our Lives and Passion. AnnaMarie was preceded in death by her father Earl Eugene Kinsey Sr., and nine siblings: Dr. Halice Beckett, Earl Eugene Kinsey Jr., Lyman Reddrick Kinsey, and Gaylord Lamont Kinsey, Millicent Dollie Kinsey, Hilda Jean Kinsey, Andre Eldon Kinsey, and Althea Okiya Kinsey, and a special Aunt Katherine Upshaw Bradley. She leaves to cherish her memories, her Mother Waltertina Kinsey of North Brunswick, sisters Rachel of Somerset and Allison Kinsey of North Brunswick and brothers Vernon of Piscataway and Ernest Kinsey of Dade City Florida. She also leaves to carry out her legacy and memories to pass down to grands and great grandchildren. Her 7 children, Alesia Randall (Michael) of Burlington, NJ, David Whitten Jr. of California, Penny of Plainfield, NJ, Andrew of Newark, NJ, Larry (Muhammad) of Newark NJ, Wayne of Newark NJ, and youngest daughter and caregiver Denise of Somerset, NJ. She leaves a special brother cousin James Howard Powell of Stone Mountain Georgia. Her Best Friend since the age of 14, TeTe who shared family BBQ’s & theme park outings every summer. She also leaves her lifetime companion George Wilkins also known as (Bay)…….. She leaves a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. AnnaMarie fought a good fight all the way to the END!!!!!

Anna Marie Kinsey Whitten

September 3, 1943 - January 7, 2020