Mrs. Mary Nell Bailey Whiten, age 94, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014 at Brown Memorial Convalescent Center in Royston. A native of Franklin County, GA. Mary Nell was born November 1, 1919 to the late A. V. and Evalena (South) Bailey. She was a long time resident of the Red Hill Community, having also lived for a time in Charleston, SC, during WWII, and in Lavonia during her later years. She also was a resident of The Gables in Royston prior to moving to Brown Memorial Convalescent Center.
Mary Nell was a woman of many gifts and talents, and is remembered by her family as a teacher (Red Hill School), a farmer, a family caregiver to her elders, a seamstress, a gardener, a pianist, and a fine country cook. She has been a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. Mary Nell was baptized in Clark's Creek, and attended Clark���s Creek Baptist Church during her childhood. She attended Piedmont College in Demorest. Her first teaching assignment was as a temporary teacher at the old Gumlog School in the Gumlog community near Lavonia. She was a member of Allen's United Methodist Church in Red Hill, and of the Red Hill Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Mary Nell had a heart for service and has reflected God's love wherever He placed her.
Mary Nell was predeceased by her parents, her husband John F. Whiten, Sr., and brothers John W. Bailey and James F. Bailey, Sr. She is survived by a son, John F. Whiten, Jr, and his wife Gloria of Hartwell, GA; a daughter, Lynn Scarbrough and her husband Steve of Waynesville, NC; a sister, Margaret Conwell of Anderson, SC; a granddaughter, Dee-Dee McEwen and her husband Brent of Watkinsville, GA; grandsons, Justin and Joshua Scarbrough of Waynesville, NC; great-granddaughters, Victoria & Alexandria McEwen of Watkinsville, GA; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia, GA is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation will be from 6pm to 8pm on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at the funeral Home. Services will be at 2 pm Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Allen's United Methodist Church in the Red Hill community, with burial at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may make a donation in Mary Nell's name to Allen's United Methodist Church or to any local charity of your choice.