Mrs. Betty Ruth Grantham Whitley, age 85 of Douglas, GA passed away Friday morning, September 9, 2022 at her residence following an extended illness. Mrs. Whitley was born March 22, 1937 to the late Cecil Jack Grantham, Sr. and the late Doris Carter Grantham. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Edward Whitley; 1 daughter, Brenda Horton and 3 Siblings; Josephine Thurman, Jenny Harkleroad and Bobby Grantham.
Mrs. Whitley, a native of Coffee County, had served as a Sunday School teacher at First Assembly of God for over 50 years and as a missionette leader for over 40 years. She loved teaching girls and young ladies biblical truths and watching them grow into strong Christian women. She had worked as a seamstress for most of her adult life. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, and caring for her many flowers.
Survivors include:
2 Sons: Bruce Whitley and wife Melissa of Douglas, GA
Brian Whitley and wife Tammy of Douglas, GA
Son-in-Law: John Horton of Nicholls, GA
8 Siblings: Doris Nell Holton of Alma, GA
Patsy Rowell and husband Larry of Douglas, GA
Cecil Grantham, Jr. of Broxton, GA
Barbara Miller of Broxton, GA
Johnny Grantham and wife Kay of Broxton, GA
Linda Rish and husband Eddie of Broxton, GA
Gail Summerlin of Douglas, GA
Lynn Dockery and husband Benny of Broxton, GA
8 Grandchildren: Mark Horton and wife Lindsey of Alma, GA
Alex Horton and wife Sonja of Nicholls, GA
Krista Music and husband Andrew of Douglas, GA
Ethan Whitley and wife Brooke of Douglas, GA
Corey Johnson and wife Tory of Bainbridge, GA
Bree Whitley of Douglas, GA
Dare` McKenzie and husband Lance of Arkansas
Danielle Whitley of Douglas, GA
14 Great Grandchildren
Caregiver and friend: Judy Taft
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
The funeral service will be held Wednesday afternoon, September 14, 2022 at 2:00 PM at First Assembly of God with Rev. Marshall Adcock and Rev. Byron Griffis officiating. The interment will follow at Grantham Cemetery. Mrs. Whitley will be placed in the church on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 to lie in state from 1:00 PM until the funeral hour of 2:00 PM.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, September 13, 2022, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Ricketson Funeral Home.
Musical selections for the service will be: “Hills of Home” sung by Lena McQuaig, “Goodness of God” sung by Alison Adcock and “Wish You were Here” sung by Rev. Marshall Adcock. Soft hymns will be furnished by Karen Batten.
Active pallbearers for the service will be: Mark Horton, Alex Horton, Ethan Whitley, Andrew Music, Corey Johnson, Lance McKenzie and Anthony Nipper.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements,