Ruth Palmer Whitlock

Ruth Palmer Whitlock of Snellville, Georgia was born on February 13, 1943 to Jimmie and Catherine Palmer in Albany, Georgia. She passed away at home surrounded by family on October 11, 2022 following treatment for ovarian cancer. She is preceded in death by her dearly loved husband George Whitlock, her beloved daughter Sharon Sunder, and her parents.

She leaves behind a family who cherished her deeply: granddaughter Devon Carter, stepson Jay Daniel Whitlock and his wife Jan Whitlock, granddaughter Lea Whitlock, grandson Robby Whitlock, sister Cathy Baxley, brother Jimmy Palmer (Darlene), brother Frank Palmer (Patricia), sisters-in-law Judy Elliott and Lynda Garland, brothers-in-law Larry Whitlock (Diana) and Roger Gillingham, godsons Steven Mehlberg and Jonathan Mehlberg, a number of lifelong friends who were always there for her, and a multitude of nieces and nephews who never failed to provide an endless stream of adoration and love. These special people gave her ample reason to be grateful for being part of what she considered the world’s best family.

In addition to the fulfillment she found in her family and friends, her work and education brought her great satisfaction. After studying at Georgia State University, Ruth eventually went on to work for the nonprofit Association of Energy Engineers for 35 years which provided her the opportunity to meet, host, and become friends with remarkable people here and around the world. In 2021, AEE established a scholarship in her name honoring her advocacy for chapter leadership, young students’ success, and women’s career empowerment. The global scholarship will ensure future young women have the resources they need to become professional engineers.

For many years she was an active member and served in leadership roles at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Norcross and Ray Memorial Presbyterian Church in Monroe. Through the Rotary Club, she and her husband were privileged to host a number of international students including Leonieke Aalders of the Netherlands and Hanne Haslum of Norway.

A vivacious adventurer who was generous beyond measure, Ruth enjoyed the ins and outs of planning travel and experiencing different cultures with her family and friends, most notably with her three grandchildren, whose European graduation trips she planned in great detail. While her passport stamps span the globe, she always loved coming home to host parties with family and friends or tend her garden, which she cared for religiously. Her legacy is one of graciousness, southern hospitality, and telling colorful stories about her full life and the memorable people she met along the way.

An informal service will be held at Yellow River Park at 3232 Juhan Rd SW in Stone Mountain on Saturday, October 22 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Ruth Whitlock Scholarship Fund (aeefoundation.org/dedicated-scholarships) or to the charity of your choice.

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