Charlene Whitman Nix

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she was the oldest of three children of Charles and Virginia Whitman. From an early age, Charlene’s warm spirit, charm, and strong sense of family were evident to everyone who knew her. Those qualities would define her life as she became a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend.

Charlene eventually made her way to Atlanta, Georgia, when her family relocated there in the late 1950s. Though Memphis was where her story began, Atlanta quickly became the place she called home for nearly 70 years. In her younger days, Charlene enjoyed modeling for J.P. Allen, a time in her life that reflected both her elegance and vibrant personality. She later worked as a secretary for several corporations throughout Atlanta. While building her career, she also devoted herself to the most important role in her life—raising her two children as a single mother. Her strength, determination, and unwavering love provided a foundation that would shape generations of her family.

Charlene is survived by her son, Jerry Taratoot of Sandy Springs, Georgia, and her daughter, Wendy Jackson (Brent) of Cumming, Georgia. Her greatest joy in life was her growing family. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Cole Jackson (Lauren) of Senoia, Georgia; Case Jackson (Brooke) of Hartwell, Georgia; Cory Jackson (Eve) of Carnesville, Georgia; Cale Jackson of Cumming, Georgia; Canon Jackson of Cumming, Georgia; and Caralina Bursk (Jake) of Quantico, Virginia. Charlene also had eight great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. She delighted in every new addition to the family and treasured the time she spent watching her family grow.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ginny Whitman, her beloved brother, Charles Theodore “Ted” Whitman Jr., and her husband, William Albert Nix Jr. She also leaves behind a younger brother, Robert Ware Whitman (Charlene) of St. Augustine, Florida, and a sister-in-law, Sue Whitman of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Faith played a central role in Charlene’s life. She was deeply involved in Peachtree Presbyterian Church, where she had been a devoted member since 1986. There she served as a compassionate caregiver with Stephen Ministries, offering comfort and encouragement to those going through difficult times. Throughout her life, Charlene enjoyed theater, garden club, her various Sunday school classes, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren especially cherished time with their Grandma, and each of them has their own collection of “Grandma stories".

Charlene was also an enthusiastic and devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves. She affectionately called them “her boys.” She faithfully kept a handwritten record of every game score on a notepad and could recall many of the key plays long after the games had ended. When the Braves won the World Series again in 2021, Charlene celebrated with pure joy, cheering loudly as if she had been right there in the stadium.

More than anything, Charlene will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of humor, her resilience, and the genuine interest she took in the lives of others. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and loved, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, Georgia, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

For those who wish, donations may be made to Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia, or Browns Bridge Church in Cumming, Georgia.