Bessie Ruth Whitlow

An angel was called home to heaven, as Bessie Ruth Whitlow, 99, peacefully passed away in her home on Thursday, January 12, 2023. 

Born on November 22, 1923, in Hall County, Georgia, she was the daughter of Annie Caroline (Talley) Murphy and John Elisha Murphy. 

Mrs. Whitlow is preceded in death by her husband Walter Wilford Whitlow, son Lendon Lee Whitlow, and siblings Robert Murphy, Clarence McVeigh Murphy, Millard (Cricket) E. Murphy, Marion (Buster) G. Murphy, Edna Stover, and Mary (Hazel) Smith.

She is survived by her brothers, Joseph (Joe) Murphy and John Murphy, Jr.; her beloved children, Martha Sue Arrowood, Bonnie Crumley, Carlton Whitlow, and Andy Whitlow; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. 

Mrs. Whitlow, who lived in Gainesville her entire life, was employed by the Gainesville Mill for 19 years before she went to work for Chicopee, where she worked for nearly two decades before retiring. Everyone who worked with and knew Mrs. Whitlow loved and admired her. She was a hardworking, compassionate, and generous soul who lived by example and always placed the needs of others above her own. 

Her humble beginnings inspired a lifetime of resilience. After her father was killed in the tornado of 1936, she was unable to continue her education beyond the 9th grade because her family could not afford the required $3.00 tuition fee. Strong-willed, determined, and fiercely independent, Mrs. Whitlow was eventually able to pursue her education and received a standing ovation when she earned her general educational development (GED) diploma at the age of 67.

Mrs. Whitlow loved spending time with her adoring family and enjoyed crocheting, playing word games, and reading. Her favorite book was most certainly the well-worn Bible she kept on her bedside table. The biggest testament to the strength of her Christian faith was the way she lived her life and the abundance of compassion and love she bestowed upon the world.

Mrs. Bessie Whitlow was a selflessly devoted matriarch whose legacy of love will live on through the generations she inspired and by all who endeavor to follow in her footsteps by leaving this world a better place than they found it. 

Graveside services are scheduled for Monday, January 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Park Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, January 16, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm, at the funeral home, prior to the graveside service.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.