Andrea Whatley

Andrea Rhodes Whatley, 80, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Andrea was a kind and loving person who loved her Lord and her family deeply. In her life she exemplified God's love by always being encouraging, kind and compassionate and showed unbelievable strength in the face of her cancer diagnosis. 

Born in Augusta, Georgia, Andrea was the first child born to Andrew and Virginia Rhodes. Born during the war, her Daddy was stationed in England and Andrea was 13 months old before he met her for the first time. She was raised on Stevens Creek Rd amidst a large and loving family. 

She graduated from Evans High School in 1962 and continued her education at Augusta College graduating with a 2-yr degree in Secretarial Science. She was employed at Fort Gordon until her marriage to the love of her life, John Summerlin Whatley whom she married on June 22, 1968. She and John moved to Macon GA after their marriage and she transferred to Warner Robins Air Force Base where she worked until the birth of her first child. Andrea was a tender, loving and supportive housewife, devoted mother, daughter, sister and grandmother. She was married to her beloved husband, John, for 54 years until his passing in 2022. John and Andrea loved to travel, especially to the western part of the country where they often visited Arizona where John grew up and developed his love for rocks, minerals and artifacts. Andrea became quite knowledgeable about these due to her years spent with John. They were members of the Augusta Archaeological Society where they made many life long friends whom they cherished. While John spent many hours tending his rocks and artifacts, Andrea enjoyed spending time with her needle work projects. She was a quilter and a knitter and created beautiful quilts and blankets that she enjoyed giving to others. 

Andrea is survived by her daughter, Ginger Ann Whatley, and her son, James (Jim) D. Whatley. She also leaves behind two grandchildren, Carter and Rebecca Whatley. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: Diane Rhodes Black and Joe Rhodes, along with multiple nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her husband and parents, Andrea was predeceased by her beloved grandparents Maybelle and Wilfred Robinson and a special aunt, Vivian Mae Robinson. 

A short graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Westover Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia with Pastor Larry Harmon officiating. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the many friends and caregivers for their prayers and support during Andrea's illness, especially to Janice Simmons, Southeast Hospice and Wendy's Senior Services who provided tender and loving care to Andrea during her final days. And last but not least to her loving granddog, Ruby, who show constant and unconditional love to Andrea in her final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at https://pancan.org/ways-to-give.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.