Jo Whatley
July 30, 1930 ~ January 28, 2016
Jo Ellen Whatley,85, of Linden, TX passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Linden HealthCare Center, comforted by her children Shirley, Danny, Kathy, Marty and other family and friends.
Jo Ellen was born July 30, 1930 in Cass County, the Almira Community to Tom and Celia Swinford. She graduated Linden High School at age 16 and married Hugh Whatley May 31, 1947. Hugh and Jo lived in Houston until 1963 when they moved back home to Linden. They owned and operated Whatley Grocery from1963 to 1978. Jo Ellen was elected Cass County Treasurer in 1978 and served until her retirement in 1998. Jo Ellen was a faithful member of Linden First Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, church treasurer and budget committee member. She helped organize Helping Hands at Linden Healthcare and served many years as a volunteer. She led the Corinth Cemetery Association while many improvements were made through the years. She was a wonderful mother and wife, faithful Christian, loving friend and caring neighbor. She lived her life sacrificially always helping those in need whether it be a ride somewhere, a home cooked meal or help with income tax.
Survived by her children: Shirley and husband Edd Hargett of College Station, Danny Whatley of Linden, Dr. Kathy and husband John David Russell of Linden, Marty and wife Pam Whatley of Lodi; grandchildren, Amy Ellen and husband Jay Furman of Stuttgart, Germany, Tedd and wife Katina Hargett of Houston, Thadd and wife Alisyn Hargett of College Station, John Paul Russell of Tyler, Ben Russell of Austin, Julie Denise Russell of Linden; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Lena Wiggins of Linden, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Also, special friends, Reba Fox and Dr. Sam and Glenda Holder.
Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Hugh Whatley; her parents, Tom and Celia (Dudley) Swinford and infant sister, Bonnie Dee.
Services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 1, 2016 at The First Baptist Church in Linden with Bro. Charles Russell and Bro. Jackie Stanfield officiating. Burial to follow in the Corinth Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to: Corinth Cemetery Fund, 210 E. Frazior St., Linden, TX 75563 or to the charity of your choice.
Jo Ellen was born July 30, 1930 in Cass County, the Almira Community to Tom and Celia Swinford. She graduated Linden High School at age 16 and married Hugh Whatley May 31, 1947. Hugh and Jo lived in Houston until 1963 when they moved back home to Linden. They owned and operated Whatley Grocery from1963 to 1978. Jo Ellen was elected Cass County Treasurer in 1978 and served until her retirement in 1998. Jo Ellen was a faithful member of Linden First Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, church treasurer and budget committee member. She helped organize Helping Hands at Linden Healthcare and served many years as a volunteer. She led the Corinth Cemetery Association while many improvements were made through the years. She was a wonderful mother and wife, faithful Christian, loving friend and caring neighbor. She lived her life sacrificially always helping those in need whether it be a ride somewhere, a home cooked meal or help with income tax.
Survived by her children: Shirley and husband Edd Hargett of College Station, Danny Whatley of Linden, Dr. Kathy and husband John David Russell of Linden, Marty and wife Pam Whatley of Lodi; grandchildren, Amy Ellen and husband Jay Furman of Stuttgart, Germany, Tedd and wife Katina Hargett of Houston, Thadd and wife Alisyn Hargett of College Station, John Paul Russell of Tyler, Ben Russell of Austin, Julie Denise Russell of Linden; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Lena Wiggins of Linden, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Also, special friends, Reba Fox and Dr. Sam and Glenda Holder.
Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Hugh Whatley; her parents, Tom and Celia (Dudley) Swinford and infant sister, Bonnie Dee.
Services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 1, 2016 at The First Baptist Church in Linden with Bro. Charles Russell and Bro. Jackie Stanfield officiating. Burial to follow in the Corinth Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to: Corinth Cemetery Fund, 210 E. Frazior St., Linden, TX 75563 or to the charity of your choice.
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What a beautiful lady! God blessed everyone she knew by allowing her in their lives. She was the most caring, sweetest, loving, and you just cant say enough good about her! She gave everything so everyone else could have. If they needed she would try to help! She is now in peace and with her Lord. I will miss you Mrs Jo. I would like to pray for comfort and peace for her family.
So sorry for your loss. Beautiful and kind lady
Sorry to hear about your loss. She was a great lady to know! Praying for the whole daily during this time of loss.
She was a blessing to many.
Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with each of you. What a gracious lady. Her smile will be missed. May he sweet comfort of Jesus bless you with His Perfect Peace.
Dear Shirley and Edd, We are so sad to hear of your moms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love from the Jankower (Marilyn Jankower, Steve & Laura Jankower, Melanie Jankower; Kenneth & Laurie Jankower James; Jason and Ashley Jankower James
My thoughts and prayers are you during this time! She was such a sweet & kind-hearted lady, and she will be missed by many!
Just wants too say it was a pleasure taking care of your mother. She was a sweet lady. And truly will be missed by many. I am praying for your family.The Kelly family
Shirley and Edd – So sorry to hear of your moms passing. Keeping you in my prayers at this sad time. Its hard to give up ones mother.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
We were so sorry to here about your loss of such a wonderful lady & Mother. Mom & Mrs. Jo were such good friends, we will all miss her God Bless.
A very kind woman that I'll truly miss. Prayers for the family.