Delia Whitley

Mary Cordelia Hall Whitley “Delia,” age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Presbyterian Village, Athens, GA. She was the daughter and only child of the late Julian Hall and Lois Patterson Hall of Dothan, Alabama. She was born in Dothan and grew up there, graduating from Dothan High School in 1953. She graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and Auburn University. At Auburn she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. After graduation she worked as a travel agent for American Express in Atlanta. In Atlanta she met her husband, Hudson Whitley. They were married for 51 years until his passing in 2013.

During her husband’s banking career, they lived in Atlanta, Athens, GA and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Upon his retirement they returned to Athens where they had lived briefly early in his career. Delia was a past member of the Athens Junior Assembly (now Athens Junior League), the Athens Symphony Guild and her beloved Thursday and Friday bridge clubs. During her years in Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale she was involved in many social, charitable, and civic affairs.

She is survived by a son, Hudson Whitley Jr. “Pete,” and his wife are Cindy; and a daughter, Elizabeth Martin Hepp “Marty” and her husband, Joe. She has four wonderful grandchildren, Charlotte and Lane Whitley and Isabel and Julian Hepp.

A private graveside service will be held at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens. Online condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, September 15, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Atrium at Presbyterian Village retirement home.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.