Jeanne White Whatley died Monday, February 7, 2022. The daughter of Major General Edward H. White and Mary Haller White, she was born at Scott Field, Illinois, on November 2, 1927. Jeanne was an Air Force brat, living in Texas, Hawaii, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Ohio and Japan. Jeanne attended Duke University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She graduated in 1949 with a degree in English. She later received a master’s degree in education from West Georgia College. Jeanne also studied at Oxford College, England.
While living with her parents in Tokyo in 1949, Jeanne met Dr. Ross Whatley, a Captain in the U.S. Army. Marrying in Atlanta in 1951, they moved to Cartersville where Dr. Whatley established a practice in internal medicine. In 1968, Jeanne began her 23-year career in education, teaching the eighth grade at Cartersville Middle School. After several years in the classroom, she became a school guidance counselor. When the gifted student program was established, she was selected as the first teacher. She excelled with this program, winning accolades from students and fellow educators.
Jeanne embraced life and found joy in even the smallest moments. She was a lifelong student and teacher, always seeking knowledge and sharing it with many. Her laughter was memorable. Family was Jeanne’s priority. Always encouraging, she took great pride in their achievements, and her devotion was unfailing. Jeanne’s life was blessed with wonderful friendships. She enjoyed tennis with her friends and ALTA teammates. She was a member of the Cartersville Service League and also enjoyed teaching adult Bible study. There was never a book, conversation or gathering that Jeanne Whatley did not enjoy. There were significant tragedies in her life including the death of her brother, Astronaut Ed White, the first American to walk in space, who died in the Apollo One space capsule in 1967 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Her younger brother, Major Jim White, USAF, was a fighter pilot who died in a crash in Vietnam in 1969.
The family would like to thank Tammi Morris and the caregivers at The Fountains Memory Care who provided Jeanne with loving support and attention for many years.
Jeanne is survived by her three sons and their families: Ross and Charlotte and their son Jared Whatley (Shira); Mark and Suzanne and their children, Laura Claire Irwin (Brian) and Ross Clayton Whatley; David and his wife Pilar; and three great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 16, at 2:00 in the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, 183 West Main Street, Cartersville, GA. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 in the sanctuary. The Reverend Leigh Jones will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church.
