Mary Elizabeth Whitehead, 86, retired bank worker

Mary Elizabeth Whitehead, 86, of Mount Airy, a retired bank worker who enjoyed playing pinochle, traveling, and cooking, died Tuesday, March 26, of cancer at her home.

Mrs. Whitehead "was very outgoing," said her daughter, Sylvia Adrienne Faltz. "She always had good advice for the young and old."

She was the mother of John Whitehead, who with Gene McFadden made up the singing and songwriting duo of McFadden and Whitehead. The pair were known for their 1979 hit, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now."

The song, ubiquitous in the early 1980s, was the unofficial anthem for the Phillies as they won the 1980 World Series and the Eagles as they competed in the 1981 Super Bowl.

John Whitehead was shot to death in 2004, at age 55, while working on a car in Mount Airy.

Mrs. Whitehead was born May 15, 1926, in Shelby, N.C., one of five children of the Rev. Lester Cavadus Smith and Willie London Smith.

She was raised in North Philadelphia and graduated from Simon Gratz High School. Later, she attended Berean Institute, where she studied stenography, bookkeeping, and business practices.

In 1946, she married John William Whitehead, a truck driver. He died in the 1990s.

Mrs. Whitehead worked for 20 years as an administrator for Comprehensive Health Services, a health-care provider in North Philadelphia.

She later worked for the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society (PSFS), where she assisted customers with safe-deposit boxes. She retired in the 1980s.

For nearly 60 years, Mrs. Whitehead was a member of Mount Sinai Tabernacle Baptist Church, 28th Street and Lehigh Avenue, founded by her father. She was a member of the church's flower club.

She was also a member of Alpha Pi Chi Sorority, Beta Sigma Chapter.

Mrs. Whitehead was known as a stylish dresser.

"She was very fashionable," said her daughter. "Whenever she came out the door, people always admired her. That was her signature, because she loved to look good."

Mrs. Whitehead was a member and treasurer of the PSC Pinochle Club.

She visited Africa, France, Spain, Jamaica, Hawaii, and other places, her daughter said.

Her daughter said Mrs. Whitehead often expressed her affection for her loved ones and friends. "Whenever someone said, 'I love you,' she would say, 'I love you more,' " Faltz said.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Whitehead is survived by sons Frank and Kevin; 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters; and a brother. A daughter, Wanda Stokes, preceded her in death.

Services were held Saturday, April 6.