Born Sept. 6, 1923, in Smyrna, GA. She was the youngest of seven children of Harry Booth Mitchell and Athlene Mable Mitchell.
She was the grand-daughter of Robert Mable, founder of Mableton, Georgia.
She took pride in her heritage and was actively involved in the restoration of the Mable House, of Mableton, GA and the Taylor-Brawner House in Smyrna, GA. She enjoyed sharing stories of riding the trolley from Smyrna to downtown Atlanta where she worked at The Atlanta Journal offices.
While working at Bell Aircraft (now Lockheed) she met Edward W. Hiles and they married in August of 1944. After the war, they built their dream home, and later were blessed with three children, the late Becky Hiles Brown, the late Terry Phillip Hiles, and Edlene Hiles Bailey of Atlanta.
Athlene and Ed were devoted members of Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church, where they formed wonderful, long lasting friendships, including a Bridge Club for 60 years. Ed passed away January 1980.
Willis D. Paulk swept Athlene off of her feet and they married in Dec. 1984. Together they traveled the world and had frequent gatherings of their group of friends they called the “Dirty Dozen”. Willis passed away in Nov. 2001.
Athlene cherished her times with her Book Club who also met for over 60 years.
She loved Jesus and will be remembered as a true “Steel Magnolia” as she faced life’s challenges with faith, grace, and an attitude that “this too shall pass!” Those who knew and loved her appreciated her beauty inside and out. Her southern accent was classic as was her style.
Her charm and sweetness shown through her wisdom. She was a gracious hostess who loved to entertain. Our Mamalene will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren are: Audra Stanovich, Chrystal Brown, Haley Brown, Morgan Bailey Floyd (Cody); Kathryn Bailey Hobbs (Ryan), and Rebecca Bailey.
The family especially thanks the loving care of her angels on earth: Sandria Robinson, Claudia Patton and other compassionate caregivers.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Athlene requested any memorial donations be made to: Haygood Memorial UMC,1015 East Rock Springs Road, NE,
Atlanta, Georgia, 30306 or Hospice Atlanta.
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