Dartha Crutchfield Whitis

Raised in the tiny farming hamlet of Bellefontaine, Mississippi, she grew up picking cotton, which morphed from her most hated endeavor into her fondest brag. After graduating from Mississippi College, she taught school in the Florida panhandle and Tampa, Florida, culminating in her stint as a on-camera teacher for WED-TV in Tampa, Florida.

In 1960 she married Robert L. Whitis, of whom she often said, “He’s the best thing that ever happened to me!” His lifelong career for Del Monte Foods carried them all over the Southeast and into California, before returning to Atlanta, where they spent the rest of their lives. In their retirement they played tennis, continued volunteer work, traveled widely, and truly relished life on their large and shady back porch.

Dartha’s love for reading widely and writing well was known to all. She practiced this craft several times over the years, from her beloved short story writing to newspaper columnist, skilled obituary writer showcasing the character of those that had passed, and culminating in her work for Georgia-Pacific as a communications officer.

A stalwart member of Wieuca Road Baptist Church, both Dartha and Bob taught Sunday School for many years. Dartha’s women’s Bible class was a serious joy for her; as they all approached 80, she began calling calling them her ’spring chickens,’ a testament to her love for making those around her laugh. A favorite highlight from their ministry to others was 3-years of seasonal service to Haggai International, a global Christian ministry that was located in Maui, Hawaii.

Her children are Jondalyn Whitis (Todd Miller) and grand-daughter, Tess Miller, and Robert Craig Whitis (Noel McEuen), who gave her 3 grand-daughters: Morgan, Hannah and Jessica (Taylor), and 3 great-grandchildren, Mel, Stella, and Billie.

Dartha’s parents were Johnnie Crutchfield and Zephye Mae Hood Crutchfield, also of Bellefontaine, MS.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Johns Creek, GA (June 15) and Bellefontaine (June 17), 2026.