Nana Ann Whitley, 89, of Tifton passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Tift Regional Medical Center. A memorial service will be held for Ms. Whitley at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton with Father Lonnie Lacy officiating. Ms Whitley will be laid to rest in Saint Anne’s Prayer Garden immediately following the eucharistic memorial service.
Born December 5, 1932, in Atlanta, Ms. Whitley was the daughter of the late James Winfred Whitley and Annie Mae Staley Whitley. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Marsha LeGrand and her husband, Guy LeGrand; and a nephew, Andrew Stone. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a B.A. degree and she was a retired educator. Early in her career she served as administrative support in institutions of higher education and health care. Her career as an educator included work with the Tift County Schools, GED & ESL instructor at Moultrie Technical College (now South Georgia Technical College), and as an English tutor for the CAMP program at ABAC. As a life longer learner herself she loved inspiring others to strive for higher education. Throughout her life she was an advocate for social justice and equal opportunity for all. In addition, she was a member of Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church in Tifton, where she was an active choir member, bible study participant, book club member, Stephen’s minister and member of the pastoral care team.
Ms. Whitley is survived by one daughter Michele Hulsey and her husband Bill Sawyer of Sutton Bay, Michigan, son Joel Hulsey and his wife Jamie and granddaughter, Hannah of Albany, New York; and her son James Hulsey of Hollywood, Florida. In addition, she has numerous beloved cousins and three nieces, Natasha Stone, Nicole Turley and her husband Steve and their son Ben Turley and Natalie LeGrand! Her many friends will miss her remarkable memory, scholarly knowledge of scripture, thoughtful mind and kind heart.
Memorial gifts may be made to Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 889, Tifton, GA 31793.