Miss Cecile S. Whitehead, age 82 of Rockledge passed away on Monday evening, September 26, 2022 at the Treutlen County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Soperton.

Born in Rockledge she was one of three daughters born to the late Grady Lee Whitehead and Ruby Miller Whitehead.  She was a graduate of Treutlen County High School, Class of 1958.  After high school, Cecile began training for a long career in the medical Field as a Laboratory Technician.   She began her training at Macon Hospital and worked at Treutlen County Hospital before moving to Atlanta to further her education and field of experience.  She attended DeKalb College, Georgia State University and Emory while working at the VA Medical Center and Georgia Baptist Hospital.  Cecile trained specifically in cytology, coagulation as well as hematology and was recognized for her expertise in identifying cells; malignant or benign.  She was recognized as an exemplary employee, receiving numerous awards, accommodations and nominations as employee of the year and one of Atlanta's finest.  In the late 1970s she was promoted to Special Hematology Technologist assigned to teaching cell morphology to Emory's residents, fellows and senior students.  During her years of research, she was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.    In 2000, after thirty seven years, Cecile retired from the Veteran's Administration and returned to her home in Rockledge.  She became an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables and sharing the bounties of her toils.  She was a member of the Master Gardeners of Dublin until it dissolved.  In addition to vegetables, she enjoyed growing flowers and oftentimes arranged flowers for her church from her gardens.  She was a longtime member of the Rockledge United Methodist Church and served as a Lay Leader to annual conference and chair person of the Board of Trustees.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Whitehead Barrs, who passed away in 2012.

She leaves behind her remaining sister, Catherine W. Underwood of Atlanta and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at the Rockledge United Methodist Church with Reverend Barbara Nelson, Dr. Mark Spence and Rev. Bobby Miller officiating.

Miss Whitehead will be laid to rest in the Rockledge Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Her family will receive friends on Thursday, at the church, from 1:30 pm until the hour of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be: Gerald Thigpen Sr., A. J. Thigpen, Ronnie Wilkes, Gene Thigpen, Scott Sheppard, Randal Morris and Howard Morris.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Mr. Harley Davidson, Mr. Jim Thompson and Mr. Bill Gainous.

If so desired, memorial contributions, in her memory, may be made to the Rockledge United Methodist Church, c/o Bobbie Hilbun, 899 Hilbun Rd., Adrian, GA  31002

Please share a memory, leave a condolence and sign the online guest register.

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME, The Tradition Since 1917, Phone 912-529-4411