Annie Margarite Mott Whitman's Obituary
Annie Margarite Mott Whitman, 97, formerly of Gary, IN and Nashville, TN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Columbia, SC. She was born in Atlanta, GA on August 29, 1925, to Eunice (Campbell) Mott and William Henry Mott. Annie was born with a caring heart, a strong love of animals and lots of creative talent. She is survived by her daughter Dr. Gail Whitman-Elia, her son-in-law Martin Elia and two sons David Myers Whitman, Jr and Antonio (Tony) Stephen Whitman. She also leaves behind a granddaughter, two great granddaughters, and numerous cousins.
When she was only 5 years old, Annie lost her mother to pneumonia. Her father moved Annie and her twin sisters Ethel and Essie to Nashville, where Annie graduated from Pearl High School. After graduation, Annie attended Fisk University for two years. She then transferred to Howard University in Washington, DC. It was at Howard that Annie decided to pursue a career as an opera singer. A talented coloratura soprano, she was offered a scholarship to The Juilliard School, a private performing arts conservatory in New York City. Annie liked to tell the story that when she went home to Nashville over one summer break, she met a handsome Tennessee State University student, and fate changed her course. Annie married David Myers Whitman, Sr after eloping on New Years Eve, 1947. The couple moved to Gary, IN where they remained until 1985.
Although Annie declined the Juilliard scholarship, she eventually joined the chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera Company, where she would bring young Gail to rehearsals. Annie was always instructing her children and encouraging music performances in their home. As the children grew to school age, Annie started teaching at St. Monica's Catholic school. This was the school her children attended. She started taking night education courses at Indiana University and eventually was hired as a full-time elementary music teacher in the Gary Public School System. During her years in education, Annie enjoyed instructing her young students. She was the teacher that taught a shy Michael Jackson and encouraged him to sing in a school talent show. Annie was kind and empathic. However, she also had tenacity. She loved her children but missed using her vocal gift. She remained patient and resilient, and as her youngest child entered junior high school, Annie enrolled in graduate school as a part time student. She eventually completed a master's degree in Performing Arts (Opera) at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University.
In 1985 Annie and her husband David relocated to Tennessee. They joined St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish where Annie sang in the choir and David joined the Knights of Columbus. In retirement, Annie went on to publish two novels and write several musical scores. She enjoyed needle point, games of chance and volunteering with her Phi Delta Kappa sorors. In 2017, widowed Annie moved to live with her daughter and son-in-law in South Carolina. Quick-witted to the end, ”Queen Annie” lived a good life and despite her many accomplishments, she would tell you that her children were her highest achievement.
A Funeral Mass will be conducted on Saturday, July 8 at 1 PM at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Madison. Burial will follow in the Historic Spring Hill Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Annie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Annie?
Share a story where Annie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Annie you’ll never forget.
How did Annie make you smile?
