Dollie B. Whatley

Dollie Mae Barnes Whatley, age 92, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13, 2018 in Griffin. She was born at home on April 1, 1926 in Henry County, Georgia and lovingly named by her older sister, Margie. Her parents were Homer Oscar Barnes and Mattie Thompson Barnes, both of which preceded her in death. She was one of four sisters: Margie Rebecca Barnes McCranie of Miami, FL, Hazel Juanita Barnes Huckaby of Griffin, GA, and Martha Fay Barnes Colwell (Johnny) of Jackson, GA, who continue to celebrate her wonderful life. Dollie attended the Elliston School and Locust Grove School before graduating from McDonough High School with honors in 1942. She attended West Georgia College during World War II before seeking employment with City Wholesale in Griffin, where she served as a bookkeeper until 1955.

She married Edwin Leroy Whatley in October 1953 and remained his loving and faithful wife until his death in 2008. She was the mother to Darrell Edwin Whatley (Lori) of Wedowee, AL and Barry Lee Whatley, who preceded her in death. Together, she and Ed ran Spalding Gas Company in Griffin, which Ed founded in 1948. Dollie was the office manager, bookkeeper, receptionist, and owner of Spalding Gas and served in some capacity with the company until 1985, when her sons became responsible for the day to day operations. She lived in Griffin for over 75 years and was an active member of the ABCettes and the First Baptist Church Magna Sunday School class, participating in both for over 50 years.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband, entertaining friends and family, and being a grandmother to Jessica Whatley O’Connor (Michael) of Griffin, GA, Stuart Barnes Whatley of Barnesville, GA, Rebecca Whatley Conley (Blake) of Eastman, GA, Chandler Dunlap Whatley of New York, NY, Adam James Whatley of Powder Springs, GA, John Taylor Whatley of Auburn, AL, Alden McRae Treadway of Atlanta, and Benjamin Treadway of Macon. She was also a very proud great-grandmother to Cooper, Jack, Mae, and Eleanor and aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2018 from 12:00 to 2:00pm at 2261 High Falls Road, Griffin, GA with a graveside service at 3:00pm in Oakhill Cemetery with Rev. Brian McCartney as the officiant. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 106 West Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30223. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Darrell Whatley, 415 West Solomon Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

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