Blondean Griffin Whitley, 76, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 10 AM, Friday, June 21, 2024, at Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. Luther Kirby officiating. Interment will follow in the Frank Cemetery, in Irwin County, Georgia. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, from 6 PM until 8 PM, at the funeral home in Ocilla, Georgia.
Mrs. Whitley was born June 19, 1947, in Berrien County, Georgia, to the late Virgil Cleo & Doris Griffin. She was a 1965 graduate of Irwin County High School and worked for the Irwin County Hospital for a year after graduation. Mrs. Whitley became a homemaker when she had her first child and focused on being a wife and mother. She baby sat many children in her home over several years and loved and cared for them as if they were her own. Mrs. Whitley became affectionally known as “Mossey”. Mrs. Whitley had special talents and loved doing things for others. She enjoyed baking and cooking, her specialties included peanut brittle, cookies, and cakes. Crafting was also a talent that she shared to give away just for a hug or a smile. Mrs. Whitley made Bible covers, tissue boxes, and Holiday houses.
Mrs. Whitley was a dedicated member of Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She always prepared her lessons a week in advance to make sure she had enough activities and treats for each child.
She is survived by her husband, “sweetheart of 58 years”, Jerry “Kaylon” Whitley of Ocilla; her children: Kell & Carol Jean Whitley and Kay & Tom Green, all of Ocilla; grandchildren, whom were her pride and joy: Justin Jankiewicz of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jordyn & Jacob Smith of Lawrenceville, Jayden & Owen Paulk of Ocilla, Kellton Whitley of Ocilla and Lonnie Whitley of Ocilla; step-grandchildren, whom she loved as her own: Megan & Ryan Reese of Middleburg, Florida, Alex Green of Ocilla and Amanda & Mizell Allen of Leesburg; great-grandsons: Avner Smith and Ira Paulk; a brother, Jerry D. & Darlene Griffin of Dublin; a sister-in-law, Anna Griffin of McMinnville, Tennessee; special nephews: Geoff & Karen Griffin of Morrison, Tennessee, Tim & Jennifer Griffin of Alleghany, New York, Michael & Kimberly Griffin of Lyons and Matt & Joni Griffin of Dublin. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Whitley; a brother, Roy V. Griffin and her father-in-law and mother-in-law; Elie & Lavada Whitley.
The family would like to thank Tradition Health and Amedysis of Tifton, Georgia, for their care and compassion for Mrs. Whitley.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials, please send them to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.