Elaine Whitehurst

WHITEHURST (Wood), Elaine

Elaine (Wood) Whitehurst, born November 3, 1931, died on October 17, 2025. Elaine grew up in Macon, Georgia and graduated as valedictorian of her class from A. L. Miller Senior High for Girls. She received a partial scholarship for the top grades each year at Wesleyan Conservatory and School of Fine Arts and graduated magna cum laude with a B.F.A. degree, majoring in Speech while working 20 hours a week at local radio stations. Upon graduation in 1953, she married Lt. James M. Whitehurst. Elaine worked at WMAZ TV until becoming a mother. As a stay-at-home mom, she took time for civic work and served as president of the Macon Junior Woman's Club and the Wesleyan Alumnae Association. She taught Sunday School classes in Macon and later in Atlanta. In 1964 she was named Mrs. Georgia in a competition involving homemaking, civic work and public speaking, ultimately becoming runner-up to Mrs. America 1964.

After moving to DeKalb county in 1968, Elaine entered Emory's School of Law at age 43. Aware that her age would be a disadvantage in the job market, she focused on Moot Court performances. Her team won the First Year competition and she was named the Best Oralist. The next year, her team won the Intrastate competition and she was again named Best Oralist. In her third year, her team earned a trip to the National Moot Court competition. Elaine earned her J.D. degree at age 45 and joined the Phillips, Hart and Moseley firm. She was a member of the Atlanta Bar, Georgia Bar and American Bar Associations and was admitted to practice before all State of Georgia and Federal courts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court on August 25, 1989.

After enjoying a successful career representing physicians facing medical malpractice allegations, she retired at age 72. Elaine and Jim then resided in Cumming, GA and a second home in Highlands, NC. They enjoyed international trips each summer and actively participated in the civic life of Highlands. Jim led hikes and Elaine served as the president of the Laurel Garden Club, the Performing Arts Center and the Highlands Historical Society. In 2013, they gave up the mountains and moved to Lenbrook to be near medical specialists. Elaine remained an avid reader and speaker, frequently presenting book reviews for Lenbrook residents.

Elaine is survived by two sons and their wives, James H. Whitehurst (Brenda) and Hugh Whitehurst (Susan); four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A private family service will be arranged at a later date. She was well known by her friends to be a benefactor of numerous organizations. If you would like to honor Elaine, please donate to the charity of your choice.