Rebekah S. Whitacre

She fought pancreatic cancer for 20 months.

She was preceded in death by parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.L. Simmons and brother, Dennis Simmons.

Her husband of 45 years, Jerry, and daughter, Elizabeth Ashley, reside in Athens, GA. Her siblings, Mary Faith Crosby and Angela Simmons, reside in Albany, GA and Bogart, GA, respectively.

Rebekah has several nieces and nephews and was godmother to Heather Kennard.

She was a loving mother and wife who excelled in any endeavor she undertook. In her private life, she restored/renovated four historic houses in St. Marys, Monroe and Albany, GA. She was the ultimate hostess, excellent chef, Master Gardener and landscaper.

Professionally, Rebekah worked with the Department of the Navy (DON) where her work mainly was in child development centers (CDC) and culminated with her appointment as MWR Director at NSBKB, GA. Her government travel included naval facility locations in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Iceland, Connecticut and Bermuda.

She was the first female MWR Director in the DON and was selected in a worldwide competition as the CDC Director of the Year while at NAS Kelflavik Iceland. Additionally, she was awarded the DON Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service (the second highest award for civilians.) While in Iceland, she was elected President of the Officers Wives Club.

She enjoyed traveling and vacations in England, Scotland, Austria, Germany and Belgium. Rebekah loved her family, friends, work and faith.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 18 at 11 a.m. at Princeton United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be Wednesday, October 19 at noon at Andersonville National Cemetery in Andersonville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Princeton United Methodist Church, 2390 South Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30606.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.