Reva Halena Withrow

Reva Halena Withrow, 88, of Ellijay, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at her residence.

She was born Sept. 9, 1936, to the late Kermit Dalrymple and Mae Kilpatrick Dalrymple. She was a proud member of New Hope Baptist Church in Ellijay. Throughout her life, she held numerous jobs, including the Clerk of Court's office in Marietta, at Blue Ridge Carpet and as secretary under Sheriff Billy Bernhardt at the Gilmer County Sheriff's Office.

Of all her roles, the one closest to her heart was her work with Family and Children's Services, where she found her true calling - caring for children. Over the years, she opened her heart and home to 66 foster children, providing them with love, stability and support.

She is preceded in death by husband, John Buford Withrow; son, John Wesley Withrow; sons-in-law, David Davenport and Mike Gibbs; and sister, Evelyn Rogers.

She is survived by sister, Brenda Thomas; brother, Lee Roy Dalrymple; children, Sabrina Davenport, Halena Gibbs, Bill (Jennifer) Withrow and Ricky (Amberly) Walker, all of Ellijay; daughter-in-law, Anita Withrow, of Ellijay; grandchildren, Josh Davenport, Sarah Henderson, Jason Teague, Matt (Whitney) Teague, Holli Gibbs, Angie Gibbs, Lexie Withrow and Nate Withrow, all of Ellijay, Aubreigh, Chloey and Harleigh; and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Withrow were held Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. from New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Alan Davenport officiating. Music was by Kendra Davenport, Kacy Marick and Vanessa Beavers.

Interment followed in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh Davenport, Billy Messer, Ricky Walker, Freddy Thomas, Clinton Davenport and Jason Teague.

Donations can be made to the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mr. Edgar Land, 77 Bob Pinson St., Ellijay, GA 30540.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Kacy Marick for her weekly meals and visits; to Reva's cousin, Sue West, for her many thoughtful visits filled with food and conversation; and to her dear friend, Nancy Luca, for the countless meals, sweet treats and shared laughter each week. Special thanks also to Alan and Kendra Davenport, Bryan Troglin, Glenda Dalrymple, Edgar and Barbara Land, and her neighbors, Lou and Dorsey, for their visits, kindness and generous offerings of food.

The family also expresses heartfelt appreciation to Appalachian Hospice and their compassionate staff for the exceptional care and support they provided. Special thanks go to Vickie Franklin, Sharon Davis, Rita Cochran and Lindsey Cloer, caregivers, who served as devoted caretakers.

Condolences can be made at www.bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.