Pastor Mary Ann Whitley Obituary in Albany at Meadows Funeral Home of Albany, Inc.

Obituary For Pastor Mary Ann Whitley

Pastor Mary Ann Whitley, 86, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Monday, May 13, 2024 at her residence in Albany, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 901 S. Westover Blvd, Albany, Georgia 31701.

Interment will follow in the Floral Memory Gardens, 120 Old Pretoria Road, Albany, Georgia 31701.

Pastor Mary Ann Whitley was born on October 2, 1937, to the late Arelious and Mary Magalene Ousley in Dawson, Ga. She was the third child of nine children. Pastor Whitley gave her life to Christ at an early age and maintained a steady growth spiritually throughout her lifetime.

At the age of nineteen, she married the love of her life, George Ernest Whitley, the handsome twenty-three-year-old soldier who swept her off her feet. To this marriage union was born one daughter, Monica S. Whitley. They traveled for twenty years from Albany to Germany, New York, New Jersey, Louisianna and Texas. Later in their life, God gave them another daughter, named Flecia Jenkins Hewett and one grandchild, Edward. Hewett Jr.

During their military career, while in Killeen, Texas, Pastor Whitley grew in God resulting in her ministry’ birth while Pastor George E. Whitley was called into the ministry. They returned home to Albany, Ga. and joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Rev. Arelious Ousley, Jr., Pastor Whitley’s brother. God prepared them for the birth of Church of The Living Word in Albany, Ga. which was born in 1978.

Pastor Whitley continued her faithful service to the Lord and touched many lives young and old. As a teacher at Harambee Head Start, she inspired and encouraged many to follow Christ.

God blessed the ministry with a strong Youth Ministry. Many young people’ lives were impacted by the ministry. Now many of these young people are adults and some are bringing their children to the ministry. Some of these young people are in ministry and various church leadership. Also, during her ministry, Living Word burned their mortgage.

Her continuous faithful service, leading people to Jesus Christ, was her unwavering passion. Led by the Holy Spirit she encouraged everyone to have a relationship with God. This agape love for the Lord spilled over into great compassion and love for her family, siblings, church family and many others. She never met a stranger and stood ready to serve. This verse really epitomizes her calling: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send?” “And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I.” “Send me.” Isaiah 6:8

She was preceded in her transition by eight siblings: Arelious Jr., Patrician, Gladys Hemphill, Betty J., Ruby O., Ollie R, and Sammy L, Ousley. She leaves behind a daughter Monica S. Whitley, Flecia Hewett, Grandson Edward Hewett, Jr., sister, Nellie (Joel) Williams, brother, Allie (Kim) Ousley, sisters -in-law Mildred Ousley, Renita Ousley, brothers-in-law Larry Pope, Eugene Russell III, and numerous nieces and nephews. She has many children in the Ministry and spiritual children too.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Shirley Williams sent Sweet Moments for Pastor Mary Ann Whitley - May 20, 2024

May her memory be a blessing Shirley & Emilye Williams

Send flowers for Pastor Mary Ann Whitley

Vickie Bradley sent Everlasting Memory Standing Spray for Pastor Mary Ann Whitley - May 19, 2024

Monica you are in our thoughts and prayers. Aunt Mary Ann you will be greatly missed. From Vickie Bradley & family (Aunt Shelley's Oldest Daughter).

My deepest condolences to the family of Pastor Whitley. Agape Love Janet Mitchell

PASTOR WHITLEY I WAS HURT TO HERE OF YOUR PASSING. BUT I REJOICE MED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE GOING HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD. I REMEMBER HEARING YOU SAY ALL I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR IS JESUS SAID WELL DONE. YOU TOUCH MANY LIVES. I HAVE MEMORIES OF YOUIN FEBRUARY 24,2024. I REMEMBER CALLING MONICA WHEN MY SISTER PAST. WHICH I DID NOT KNOW YOU WAS ILL. MY SISTER CALLED ME AND STATED NOT TO CALL YOU THAT YOU WAS ILL. SHE TOLD ME TO LET THEM NO WE DON'T NEED THEM TO COME. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I CALLED BACK A LITTLE BIT TO LATE. BUT I CALLED JUST AS MY SISTER HUNG UP THE PHONE AND LEFT A MESSAGE. WHEN I DID SPEAK TO MIN. MONICA, SHE SHARED WITH ME," MOMMA CAME WITH ME." I CRIED. THIS LET ME KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCE, PASTOR WHITLEY GOT OUT OF HER BED AND CAME TO COMFORT MY MOTHER. TO SHOW YOU HOW MUCH LOVE AND COMPASSION PASTOR WHITLEY HAS FOR PEOPLE. I TOOK A MOTHER'S DAY CARD OVER TO GIVE TO HER, AND SHE HAD A MOTHERS DAY CAR TO GIVE TO MY MOTHER. I CRIED. I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO TRULY BE MISSED. MIN. MONICA, PASTOR LEFT HER LEGACY. I KNOW YOU WILL KEEP THE FLAME BURNING.

DUE TO A MEDICAL ISSUE, COULD NOT MAKE THE DRIVE. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. JOSEPH AND MARLENA DAGGS.

To the Whitley and Ousley families, I extend my sincere condolences in the transitioning of the beloved, Pastor Mary Ann Whitley. I was drawn to her genuine love and passion for Christ, soul-winning for the Kingdom of Heaven, and teaching the Word of God with boldness and simplicity! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rev. Dr. Peggy G. Jones, Warner Robins, GA (formerly of Albany, GA)

Sincere condolences to pastor Whitley's family and friends and prayers that she rests in peace. She will be missed at Mt. Zion's Tuesday noon services. Servant God well done.🙏🏽🌹🙏🏽

I have known Pastor Mary Ann Whitley for about 44 years when I was about 7 or 8 years old in 1980. Pastor Whitley saw me grow up in the Lord into adulthood. She served as one of my mothers since my mother's untimely death back in January of 1990. She has been my Role Model, my Mentor, my Shero, my Pastor, my Spirtual Mother, and Advisor. I will truly miss her on this earthly side, but I will see her again in the Heavenly Realm. I love you Pastor Whitley. My prayers are with her daughter Monica at this difficult time of bereavement. Arrie B. Newberry, Jr of Leesburg, Georgia.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time Pastor Whitley will be truly missed by all whom she inspired to live a Godly life

Truly saddened to learn of the passing of Pastor Whitley, she was my oldest daughter first teacher at Harambee. She gave me a bible that I still hold dear to my heart today. My prayers are with the family and she will truly be missed. We will always love you Pastor Whitley. Bulinda, Chekesha and Family

My sincere love and sympathy for Pastor Mary Whitley's family. Ernestine Brown

My sincere love and sympathy for Pastor Mary Whitley's family.

My sincere sympathy and love to Pastor Mary Whitley's family. Ernestine Brown

Sad to hear of this great loss. The community has suffered such a great loss and a beautiful soul. My condolences to the Whitley family and friends. Please know that she impacted all she touched in a positive way and will be missed.
Latrisha Dukes

May God comfort the Family and friends of Rev. Mary Ann Whitley. We worked across the hall from each other at Harambee Head Start. Rosa Wilson

Praying for God's Comfort, Peace and Love to the Whitley and Ousley Family. Rest in Eternal Peace The Jackson and Sapp Family

Praying for Pastor Ousley/Whitley family Gladys Ousley Morgan and the Florida Family

Praying for the family of Pastor Ousley/Whitley. Gladys Ousley Morgan and Florida family.

Condolences to the Whitley and Ousley family sending prayers

So sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor Whitley on yesterday. Our prayers are with you Monica and the rest of the family. Bennie and Carolyn

Sorry to hear about the passing of my friend. I just talked to you a few weeks ago. You will be missed. My prayers are with your family. Jerry Stamper

Sincere, heartfelt condolences to the family of Pastor Mary Whitley and prayers she rests in peace.

So sorry to hear of her passing just wished her a happy mothers day on yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with Monica and the rest of the family. Pamela Jones and family