Rev. Patricia M. Whitley

Reverend Patricia M. Whitley was born January 22, 1936, to the late Curtis Madden and Este Carmilla Harris. The sweet voice of our heavenly father called her home to commune and rejoice in his presence on January 24, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Patricia was raised in Greenville, South Carolina along with her brothers Eddie and Robert. Although times were sometimes tough growing up, she always displayed a spirit of love and care for those close to her and those she just met. This spirit would grow within her as she matured and would remain with her for the duration of her life, leading her to a life of servitude to God and of God’s children. Patricia would go on to graduate from Sterling High School and receive her nursing degree from the Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Arizona, making her way to serve as an RN at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in California. Although she enjoyed serving as a nurse, God had a greater purpose for her life and would soon remind her of the spirit he had placed inside of her and began cultivating in her as a young child. Through much prayer and supplication, Patricia met the man God planned for her to spend the rest of her life with, William L. Whitley of Pantego, North Carolina. During their union, the military life resulted in Patricia becoming a world traveler and seeing things in life she never imagined she would. This further enhanced her spirit of love and care for all of God’s children no matter where they were from. During this time, Patricia continued serving as a nurse in schools and eventually became a teacher. She continued teaching until God blessed her with the opportunity to become the principal at New Creation Christian School. The day soon came that she became the primary owner of a private school in Belleville, Illinois. Patricia changed the name to Hope Christian School, as she believed that all children and parents deserved to be given hope through children receiving a quality formal education. Shortly after, God called Patricia to ministry where she became first a minister and then the Pastor of the newly formed Hope Christian Church. She received blessing after blessing, and trails blazed as she worked fervently for the Lord. Pastor Reverend Patricia Whitley became the first black president of the Belleville Clergy Association and spearheaded the development of the prison ministries in the area. During her travels, she championed inclusion in ministry and growth in ministry by creating and promoting diversity in the church. She spread this message throughout her nationwide and international travels from Illinois, California, Texas, North & South Carolina, and beyond the pond to as far as Germany and Japan. When the decision was made to move to Georgia and be closer to most of her family that resided in the southeast region, Reverend Patricia tricked her children into believing that after 25 years of pastoral service, she was going to purposely slow down her activity and retire. NOT TRUE… She joined and became an active member at Christ the King Church, and worked closely with Bishop W. Ron Sailor Sr. and Pastor Marion Sailor to re-establish ministries and mentor ministers. Over the years, to support the growth of her children in life and in spirit, she became a member of each church her children had joined, including Salem Missionary Baptist Church and New Mercies Christian Church. Reverend Patricia and Reverend William Whitley would remain active members of all three churches, even during the pandemic, and remained a great source of Faith, Love, and Support, which was accompanied by a gentle yet strong spirit that was attached to a beautiful smile. Serving God and loving her family became and remained her heart’s desire. Reverend Patricia was preceded in death by her brothers Eddie Richardson and Robert Richardson. Remaining to cherish her loving memory and legacy are her husband of 50 years, William L. Whitley Sr., 4 children, Charles M. Jones, Carmilla Wilson (David - her favorite son-in-law), William L. Whitley Jr. (Annice), and Roland Whitley (Teresa). A host of beautiful grandchildren: Tricia, McKinley, Kera, Darrius, Carlos, Akia, Kirsten, and William III., great-grandchildren: Tiana, Braylon, Tyree, Jayden, Kailena and Jaxsen, loving family members: Elaine and Horace Mood, Patty Brooks, Carol Knowles, Geri & Kevin Howard, along with a host of loving nieces and nephews from Greenville, S.C. to Dallas, Texas. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory Lawrenceville 770-338-5558

Tributes

Rev. Patricia M. Whitley

January 22, 1936 - January 24, 2023