She was born on January 29, 1932, to Jasper and Mary (Alexander) McIntyre in Wade. Mrs. Whatley grew up in the Drew area, graduated Drew High School and attended Clark College. She married Albert M. Whatley on January 31, 1952. She was a homemaker raising her four boys on the Sunflower Plantation.
She was a loving and caring mother who never missed an event her boys were involved in, whether, it was sports or school functions at North Sunflower Academy, she was always at their side. Mrs. Whatley was a life long member of Bethany Baptist Church, that she and her father helped to build many years ago, where she was a former music leader and taught Sunday School for many years. She instilled family values in her boys.
She was a gardener and a great cook always having fresh vegetables prepared for her family and their friends.
Visitation was Tuesday, August 14, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland.
Funeral Services was held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at Bethany Baptist Church in Merigold. Interment followed in the Drew Cemetery.
She is survived by spouse of 60 years, Albert M. Whatley of Merigold; son, Marion "Bubby" and wife (Faye) Whatley of Merigold; Lewis and wife (Cody) Whatley of Clarksdale; Bill and wife (Cathy) Whatley of Monroe, La., and Ed and wife (Anna) Whatley of Clarksdale; three sisters, Ruby Carroll of Pascagoula, Doris Cooper of Virginia Beach, Va., and Carolyn Beach of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Brad Whatley, Blake Whatley, Christopher Whatley, Asa Whatley, Jana Whatley, Will Rolfe, Tanner Whatley and Meagan Whatley; and five great-grandchildren, Oiliva and Avery Whatley, Mary Fances Whatley, Grace Whatley and Elizabeth Whatley.
Pallbearers were Rickey McIntyre, Brian McIntyre, Greg Beach, Phil McNeer, Euell Powell and Gerald Turner. Honorary pallbearers are her grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church 19 Bethany Church Rd. Merigold, MS 38759.
Online guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net