Watha Boatner Gokey

Mrs. Watha Boatner Gokey, age 66, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026.

Watha was born March 28, 1959, in Rome, Georgia, daughter of the late Robert Boatner, Sr. and Alice Marie Welchel Boatner.

Watha had a special love for animals, especially cows and dogs. She enjoyed spending time on Facebook, keeping up with friends and family, and never missed an opportunity for a good conversation, often making sure she had the last word with a smile. She had a fondness for the color purple and a gift for cooking delicious meals for those she loved and for church gatherings.

Watha was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren and found great joy in seeing them smile. Her kindness, warmth, and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Watha is survived by her husband Arnold “Arnie” Gokey; her son Brandy Brady (his wife, Laura, along with their daughter, Olivia Ann); brother, Robert Boatner, Jr. (his wife, Shannon Boatner, along with their children, Briana, and Cassie (Tony) McBurnett). Watha leaves behind her stepchildren: Jeremiah Gokey, Brandon Gokey (his wife, Marlana, and their children, Jackson and Karl), Ryan Gokey (his wife, Brooke, and their son, Bryce), Dominique Gokey, and Leah Holloway (her husband, Tyler, and their children, Talyn and Kayleigh). Watha also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and several cousins whom she loved dearly.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mrs. Watha Boatner Gokey will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, in the chapel of Smith & Miller Funeral Home, at 3:00 PM, with Reverend Robert Boatner, Jr. officiating.

Watha’s family will receive friends, also on Thursday, at Smith & Miller Funeral Home, from 1:00 PM until the service hour.

The family kindly accepts flowers or memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the  American Heart Association. 

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Watha Boatner Gokey.