Fay Harris Whitley, 78, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Thursday, March 19, 2026, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held 4 PM, Saturday, March 21, 2026, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. Josh Bowles officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mrs. Whitley was born August 4, 1947, in Macon County, Georgia, to the late Sebron & Annie Mae Griggers Harris. She worked as a seamstress for The Champion Company, Irwin Manufacturing, Kyle Industries, and Brenda’s Drapery. She also worked as a stocker at Wal-Mart. Mrs. Whitley was an avid gardener and loved spending time in her flower beds. She enjoyed completing adult dot-to-dot puzzles and drinking coffee. She attended Ocilla Church of God and will be greatly missed by her canine companion, Max.
She is survived by her children: Bobby Whitley of Columbia, Alabama, Keith McLaughlin & Tonya of Fitzgerald, Kim Rodgers & Billy of Fitzgerald, and Kristy Staton & Neal of Cleveland, Tennessee; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren including: Brittany Sumner & Justin and their son Briggs, Addi Staton, and Drake Rains & Cindy and their daughter, Lilliana; as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Isaac D. Whitley, who died August 15, 2025; two daughters: Angela Hutchinson and Marilyn McLaughlin; a sister, Betty McLaughlin; and four brothers: J.R. Harris, E.L. Harris, Pete Harris, and Frank Harris.
Paulk Funeral Home, Ocilla, is in charge of arrangements.