Jane Babb Whitaker

Born on March 24, 1944, in Marietta, Jane was the second of three children and the only daughter of James Carlton and Dorothy Hyde Babb. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, David W. Whitaker Jr., and her older brother, James Lawrence "Larry" Babb.

A lifelong resident of Cobb County, Jane grew up in Smyrna, graduating from Campbell High School in 1962. In December 1963, she married Wayne Whitaker of Crossville, Tennessee, with whom she shared her son and daughter. In 1971, the family moved to the Due West community in Marietta, which remained her home for the rest of her life.

Jane was a dedicated homemaker until 1974, when she accepted a part-time position in the cafeteria at Due West Elementary School. Shortly before her divorce in 1976, she began a respected 28-year career as a secretary and assistant with the Cobb County Board of Education. She started her journey in the Curriculum Department but spent the majority of her career in Staff Development, before ultimately retiring from the Human Resources department, where she played a key role in the hiring of new staff.

Following her retirement, Jane embraced her role as "Nana" to her three cherished grandsons. No amount of time, distance, travel expenses, or inclement weather—not even a tornado—could deter her from attending countless ballgames and school events. She was their most enthusiastic supporter, fully devoted to their happiness and well-being.

Jane is survived by her daughter and son-in-law of 37 years, Diane and Randy Wheeler of Woodstock, Georgia; her brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Karen Babb of Dalton, Georgia; her three grandsons, Sean Wheeler and his wife, Anna, of Smyrna, Georgia, Ethan Wheeler and his partner, Emily, of Marietta, Georgia, and Quinton Caulderon-Wheeler and his wife, Jazmine, of Acworth, Georgia; her great-grandson, David Wheeler (son of Sean and Anna); as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 2, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Carmichael Funeral Home in Marietta.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, in the chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park.