Ms. Emma Lee Whitner, affectionally known as “Patty Duke” was loved by many. She peacefully departed this life on June 22, 2026 at the sweet age of 68.

Emma Lee was born to the union of William Ed and Virginia Tilly Whitner in Griffin, Georgia. To this union they raised eight children, two girls and six boys.

Emma received her formal education in the Griffin Spalding County School System. She accepted Christ at an early age where she was a member of the Providence Baptist Church, where she once served on the Usher Board.

She was truly a free spirit whose vibrant personality could light up a room. To know her was to love her. She will always be remembered for her smart talk and Quick wit. Her presence will definitely be unforgettable.

She was preceded in death by his parents, William Ed and Virginia Tilly Whitner; daughter, Tarshayvis Whitner; brothers, William, Andrew, Kenneth, John and Larry Whitner; aunts, Judy Odom and Dorothy Gilbert; one uncle, Willie Willis and one nephew, LaBront Whitner.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories to her daughters, Ms. Orlesha Whitner and Ms. Winnie Whitner; grandchildren, D'Auriun Parker, Abreunna Penn, Aziyah Whitner, and Armani Smith; great grandchildren, Messias, Kaycen, Ari and Onyx; one sister, Jaunita Henly; one brother, Henry Whitner; one God daughter, Arneshia Moreland; a special niece, Kennedra Whitner and special son, Bennie Smith Jr.; uncle, John Wesley (Pat) Whitner; one sister-in-law, Lynette Whitner; two special friends, Linda O’Neal and Vanessa Spring. and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.