WHATLEY, Thelma J. (Johnson)

Services for Thelma J. Whatley, 82, Athens, are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at Fellowship Baptist Church, Athens, with the Rev. Joe Warren officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home, Athens. Mrs. Whatley went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Jan. 5, 2010. She was born Sept. 6, 1927, in Boswell, Okla., to parents, Joseph William and Minnie Lee Woosley Johnson. She attended Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, Okla. She married Alan D. Whatley in 1958 and was a loving wife and godly mother to her six children. Thelma was a resident of Athens since 1966. Her family was her pride and joy and a continual source of happiness. She also enjoyed quilting, chocolate and was at her happiest rocking babies. Thelma's life reflected the grace of God, which she demonstrated through her selfless love to her family and loved ones. One of her greatest achievements was a continuous embodiment of motherly love at home and with her grandchildren. Throughout her life she maintained a steadfast and happy relationship with her many friends. Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Alan D. Whatley, Athens; sons, Mark Whatley and wife Sherri, Tyler, Paul Whatley and wife Leslie, Loomis, Calif., Joe Whatley and wife Melanie, Athens, Tim Whatley, Irving; daughters, Becky Brown and husband Jerry, Arlington, Leah Nieman and husband Phillip, Richardson; grandchildren, Audrey Whatley, Cole and Jake Whatley, Olivia Whatley, Parker Brown, Luke and Kara Nieman; and sister Jo Annette Walker, Colorado Springs, Colo. Visitation for family and friends will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. If desired, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, Tenn. 38148-0142.