Bessie Whitley of Selmer, TN departed this life on September 29, 2013 in her home at the age of 69 Years, 1 Month, 21 Days She was born August 8, 1944 the daughter of the late William McKinley Durbin and Emma Lou Smith Durbin.
She was united in marriage to Marvin Whitley on August 25, 1958 having recently celebrated their 55th anniversary. Mrs. Whitley was a member of The Sanctuary Pentecostal Church in Milledgeville, TN. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family very much.
She is survived by her husband Marvin Whitley of Selmer, TN; three daughters, Carolyn Mehr and husband Tommy of Stantonville, TN, Sandra Whitley of Selmer, TN, Karen Holland and husband Brent of Stantonville, TN; a son, Neal Whitley and wife Heather of Adamsville, TN; ten grandchildren, Jennifer King, Katie Moore, Scott Whitley, Patrick Howard, Kristi Howard, Sarah Bess Whitley, Jake Whitley, Laura Lee Whitley, Natalie Holland, Ben Holland; five great grandchildren, Chelsea King, Will King, Chance Knight, J. T.\ Howard, Emma Howard; two sisters, Jewel Sweat of Missouri, Billy Sue Durbin of New Madrid, MO; a brother, Perry Durbin of Adamsville, TN. Mrs. Whitley is also survived by a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mrs Whitley was preceded in death by two sisters, Ruth Durbin, Becky Durbin; five brothers, Frank Durbin, Thomas Durbin, Elbert Durbin, Ricky Durbin, Montie Durbin.
Services will be held on October 2, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, Tennessee, with Bro. Jimmy Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery near Selmer. Pallbearers are Steven Wilbanks, Brian Durbin, Ryan Durbin, Daniel Duncan, Chris Durbin, Tony Durbin.
