Mary Ann Wheelock

Mary Ann Wheelock, 78, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, with her daughter by her side, after a brief battle with leukemia. Born on January 7, 1947, to Cecil Garnett Underwood and Bessie Nanette Tilley, she was a lifelong resident of Marietta, Georgia. Mary Ann attended Keith Elementary School and graduated from Marietta High School in 1965 before continuing her education at Emory at Oxford. She enjoyed a long career in chemical safety compliance, working for Momar and Bondo, before retiring.

Mary Ann was a gifted pianist who began playing at a young age. Her family cherishes many memories of her performing classical pieces, ragtime, hymns, and popular songs. In addition to the piano, she also played the guitar and banjo. As a child, she loved spending time with her grandparents, Frank and Bessie Tilley, and has many fond memories of their garden. Mary Ann held a deep conviction in Jesus Christ, having grown up in the Baptist faith. She read the Bible daily and listened to sermons until her final days.

After retiring, Mary Ann found joy playing games such as Majong on her tablet, reading, and watching classic television shows. In her final weeks, she and her family spent cherished moments together watching episodes of “Leave it to Beaver” and “Father Knows Best” while Mary Ann shared stories from her childhood that her family will always hold dear.

When asked what she was most proud of, her answer was always, “my girls” - her daughter Lisa and granddaughter, Mary Imogen, whom she helped raise. She always put their needs before her own, and they are both deeply grateful for her love and devotion. They would like her to know that she did a wonderful job and that they would not be the women they are today without her.

She is predeceased by both parents, as well as a half-brother, Michael Walter Neese. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Michele Wheelock and granddaughter, Mary Imogen Wheelock, of Marietta, Georgia.