Mary Fidelis (Ridley) Whitaker

Mary Fidelis Ridley Whitaker passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 76 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s eight years ago.  She was born on Monday, March 29, 1948, in Columbus, Georgia to James Irby and Inez Brown Ridley.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Glen Lamar Whitaker, brother-in-law’s, Mack Whitaker, Joe Ricky Whitaker and Michael Lee Whitaker and sister-in-law, Ruby Fauscett.

Mary lived with her husband in Texas and Germany during the time he served in the Air Force before moving back home to Jenkinsburg.  She worked with special ed children whom she loved, for many years and retired from Butts County Schools.  She enjoyed gospel music, traveling, outdoors, camping, baking cakes for others to enjoy, animals, feeding birds, collecting birdhouses and most of all loving and making memories with her grandchildren.  She embodied the best of qualities… unconditional love, strength of spirit and a true servant’s heart.  She would drop everything in a moment to lend a helping hand.  Mary was a true woman of faith, she found comfort and peace by reading and studying scripture each day until her disease progressed and she was no longer able.

Mary was survived by her daughters, Glenda Aukerman (Tim Aukerman) and Sherry Whitaker, her grandchildren, Dillon Whitaker (Amanda Whitaker), Justin Akins and Ashlee Aukerman; great grandchildren, Mason Lamar Barnes and Aria Akins; brother-in-law, Carl Whitaker (Dorothy Whitaker) and sister-in-law, Patsy Whitaker Maddox (Bryan Maddox); many nieces, nephews and her dear lifelong friend, Hazel Collins.

We will be forever grateful to the staff of The Gardenias Assisted Living and Southern Grace Hospice for providing the very best care!

A service to honor Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 2 PM in the Chapel of Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson, Rev. Keith Joseph will officiate. Burial will follow the Service in the Jenkinsburg City Cemetery. The Family will receive friends, Monday evening April 8, from 6 until 8 PM at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.haistenfuneral.com

Haisten Funeral Home of Jackson is serving the Whitaker family.

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