Helen Marie Reynolds Whitby was born on April 15, 1929, in Macon, Georgia, to the parentage of Willie Frank Reynolds, Sr., and Rosa Park Reynolds. Mrs. Whitby attended school in Macon, Georgia, and was employed by the Bibb County Board of Education  serving as an educator at L. H. Williams Elementary School. She retired in May 1993. She later worked for Horace Holmes Photography Studios.

Mrs. Whitby was a godly woman, an active lifelong member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. She believed in working and serving the lord. At her church she served in numerous capacities, which includes singing in the VSW Choir, teaching the Robert Dennis Jr. Sunday School Class, Director of the Youth Department, Vacation Bible School teacher, President of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry, and president of the Teenagers Ministry.

    Mrs. Whitby was well known around Macon and the Middle Georgia area as an eloquent and inspirational speaker. She spoke on numerous occasions in many churches. She also served as the Advisor for her babies, “The Gospel Movement” (a community youth singing group) who performed in and around Macon and the State of Georgia. Her love for youth was her special calling.  She was a friend , confidante, spiritual advisor and “mother” to many youth in the Middle Georgia area.

    Mrs. Whitby was very active in the community where she served on the Board for the East Macon Neighborhood Health Center and she served as a poll worker. The City of Macon proclaimed August 11, 2002, “Helen Reynolds Whitby Day” to recognize her many contributions to the community and to the youth of Middle Georgia.