Marilyn Pryor Barrett Whatley
October 23, 1928 ~ February 7, 2021
Services for Marilyn Pryor Barrett Whatley, 92, of Linden will be 2:00 p.m., February 12, 2021 in the chapel of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden, with Bro. Brad Watson officiating. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Texarkana, Texas, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.
There will be a viewing from 1:00 p.m., until service time at the funeral home. The family has requested that those attending the service please wear a mask.
On February 7, 2021, this earthly world lost a precious soul, Myrna Marilyn Hammack Pryor Barrett Whatley. We believe Heaven’s Gates opened wide to welcome this loyal and faithful servant of God, and she is now walking the streets of gold. She was 92 years old when she leaped into the arms of Jesus Christ!
Myrna Marilyn Hammack was born in Texarkana, AR, on October 23, 1928 to William and Myrna Hammack. Texarkana, TX, is where she lived, worked, and raised her four beloved children she had with her first husband, Jimmy Pryor. She worked for many years at Chappell Pathology Clinic and was secretary of the Bowie County Medical Society.
In 1981, she made the decision to start another phase in her life and moved to Tulsa, OK, where she began work for Oral Roberts University. Marilyn believed this was a path that God had chosen for her after Jimmy passed away in November 1977. It was in Tulsa where she met and married her second husband, Jerry Barrett, in 1986, and they began a life together. In the early 1990’s, Marilyn and Jerry moved to Linden, TX, to start yet another adventure. In Linden, Marilyn worked a short time for the Texas Department of Human Services and the SWEPCO office in Linden.
After Jerry passed away in December 2010, Marilyn seemed to be content with her life, until she met her third husband, Hershell Whatley at the Linden Senior Citizens Center in January 2015. It was obvious that she and Hershell were smitten with each other, and at the age of 87, Marilyn entered into marriage once again. However, in September 2018, Hershell passed away and Marilyn became a widow for the third time.
In addition to her three husbands, Marilyn was predeceased by her parents; her two brothers, Billy Hammack and Bobby Hammack; her son, Bill Pryor; her granddaughter, Cissy Matthews Eldridge; and her son-in-law, Alan Christianson.
She is survived by her daughter and special son-in-law, Cindy and Chet Matthews of Montgomery, AL; daughter, Lindy Christianson of Texarkana, AR; and son, Frank Pryor of Linden,TX. She is also survived by grandchildren Jim Parsons, Jason Barrick, Josh (Christi) Barrick, Frank (Julie) Pryor Jr, Brad Pryor, and Andy Pryor, along with 9 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by the children of her second husband, Jerry Barrett: Connie (Terry) Barrett Jones; Cindy (Bob) Barrett Boyd; Doug Barrett; and Roger (Kerry) Barrett. And finally, she is survived by the children of her third husband, Hershell Whatley: Rhonda (Andy) Whatley Surratt; Bruce (Lori) Whatley; and Kelley Whatley, the wife of Hershell’s deceased son Keith.
Marilyn was active in the United Methodist Churches wherever she lived, and a past member of First United Methodist Church, Texarkana, AR and the United Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK. Her most recent affiliation was with the Linden United Methodist Church in Linden, TX. Her beautiful singing voice could be heard in the choirs of the churches, and her life was a testament to the love she had for her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
She enjoyed reading her Bible, the many religious books she had collected, and even murder mysteries. She enjoyed traveling, with a trip to Jerusalem being a highlight of her travels.
Marilyn loved her family and had a heart of gold. She was selfless as was shown in her acts and deeds of her everyday life. She rarely said a cross word against anyone (unless you got her started on politics!).
She used her precious and graceful hands to knit numerous sweaters for family members. She also crocheted many afghans and prayer shawls for her family and friends as well as caps and small blankets for premature babies which she had delivered to the NICU at a local hospital. She always prayed over these gifts before giving them away. She also enjoyed crafting and would usually give away just about everything she made.
The family would like to offer their sincere appreciation to Heritage Home Health and Hospice as well as to Colonial Lodge Assisted Living for their wonderful support of and care for Marilyn and for her family.
In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial donations may be made to:
LINDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“IN MEMORY OF MARILYN BARRETT WHATLEY”
P.O. BOX 338
LINDEN, TX 75563
--- or ---
HERITAGE HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE
“IN MEMORY OF MYRNA WHATLEY”
4605 TEXAS BLVD
TEXARKANA, TX 75503
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Miss Marilyn was one of the sweetest people I have known. She had the nicest small. Never met a stranger. She was a great asset to the Sunshine Class of LUMC. She will be missed. May God wrap you in his arms during this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time!! Love to all,
You cousin Leslie!
Frank, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I know you loved her and took good care of her. Love to you and your family.
Sharon Van Hooser
Aunt Marilyn was a wonderful aunt and person. She would always greet you with that beautiful warm smile. I will miss her.
Prayers for family.