Mrs. Annie Jean Whitening Barkley

Mrs. Annie Jean Whitening Barkley was born on August 27, 1946 to the parentage of Annie Pearl Ross Whitening and Eugene Whitening of Jasper County, Georgia. Both preceded her in death.

Mrs. Barkley died July 19.

“Ann” attended the Jasper County Training School where she graduated with honors. She worked for Bibb Manufactory where she retired and began another sewing career right here in Monticello. After her task as a seamstress, she began driving for Ward’s Delivery out of Dublin, Ga. “Ann” loved running after her grandchildren, cooking, and entertaining her company. “Ann” had the biggest smile.

On December 31, 1964, “Ann” joined in holy matrimony to Freddie L. Barkley, the first and last love of her life. To this union, two children were born.

Six uncles and three aunts preceded her in death: Eddie Ross, Charlie Ross, Homer Ross, James Ross, Samuel Ross and Bennie Ross; aunts: Elizabeth M. Ross, Loretta Thomas and Cathrine Cole.

Leaving behind to cherish her memories are a very loyal and devoted daughter, Andrea (Ricky) Barkley of Monticello, and a devoted and loving son, Thomas Wesley Barkley, also of Monticello; six beautiful grandchildren: Zykolbi, Eniya, Fredrec, Frederica, Arianna and Kiomas Barkley; step-children: Bertivia Stewart and Melissa Crowder, both of Jackson; mother-in-law, Clara Barlow of Jackson; aunts: Naomi Ross of Farrar, Annie Freeman (John) and Willie Alberta Ross both of Ft. Myers, FL; uncles, Willie Ross (Gladis) of Griffin, and Freddie Ross (Ola) of Atlanta; a special cousin, Willie “Snapper” and Christine Ross of Monticello, and a play brother, Jimmy Jackson of Monticello, and a whole host of relatives and friends

A celebration of Mrs. Barkley’s life will be held Thursday, July 24, at 1 p.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church, 514 Funderburg Drive, Monticello; pastor Donna Marie Calix, officiating.

Smith & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.