Mary Whitlock Dettmering, 85, of Fayetteville, Ga., went to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.
Mary is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws Kathe and Bobby Anderson, Ellen and Richard Lowe, Susie Keaton; grandchildren Robin and Trey Anderson, Lauren and Brian Anderson, David Anderson, Kyle Lowe, Haylee Hill, Nathan Keaton and Mary Katherine Keaton; great-grandchildren Emma Anderson, Eli Anderson, and Gracie Godfrey; brothers Helen and Larry Whitlock, Eileen and Ronny Whitlock; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her special Harp family, Julie, Allen, Don, Harry, and Sarah Nell.
On June 29, 1931, Mary was born in Fayette County (Line Creek, now known as Peachtree City) to Phoebe and Alton Whitlock and was a life-long resident of Fayette County. Growing up with three sisters and six brothers, she shared numerous stories and fond memories of the deep love shared within her family. She loved big family dinners and carried that Whitlock tradition forward. Following her graduation from Fayette County High School, Mary worked at the Fayette County Courthouse in the tax office. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jack Dettmering, and they were married three short months later. Sharing 58 wonderful years of marriage, they set the example of a Christ-centered marriage, filled with love, respect, and honor. She was truly heart-broken when he passed away in 2008.
Mary also worked in the banking industry in Atlanta and Fayetteville, Greer Industries and Davis Ford. For several years, she handled the bookkeeping for Travel Express when the family opened this travel agency in the mid-eighties. Mary loved spending time with all of her family, and especially her grandchildren. “Nanny” was the most wonderful grandmother. She developed special relationships with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren building so many precious memories.
Mary loved her volunteer time at The Joseph Sams School and was actively involved for many years. Her personal ministry seemed to be to care for others. She regularly visited in the assisted living and nursing home facilities, hospitals, and with home bound friends and church members. She was known to regularly send cards and notes and always provided her loving and warm hugs.
Mary was a faithful member of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church for sixty-six years, where she taught Sunday School and worked with the youth in MYF. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women and in the Ethel Taylor Circle.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 29, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. Dr. David Campbell will officiate. Burial followed at Whitlock Cemetery in Peachtree City. The family received friends on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers are welcomed as Mary loved flowers. Donations in her memory are also welcomed to the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 175 East Lanier Avenue, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214, http://www.fayettevillefirst.com, The Joseph Sams School, http://josephsamsschool.org, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, https://www.choa.org.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, Ga. www.mowellfuneralhome.com
