Rachel Franks Whitley Daniel, 89, of Booneville, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Landmark Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born in Prentiss County to Carl and Ethel Franks of New Site, MS. Rachel graduated from New Site High School in 1953. She attended Northeast MS Community College, moved to Zion, Illinois and taught school through 1956-1968. During this time she continued her education, attending Pestalozzi-Froebel Teacher’s College in Chicago, Illinois. She was awarded Bachelor of Education Degree in 1968. Rachel and her family moved back to Booneville, MS in 1970 and she married Fred Whitley. She then continued her education, attending The University of Mississippi, receiving a Graduate Degree in 1983. She taught elementary education for 42 years, she loved teaching and seeing many results, she taught in Booneville, Baldwyn, Burnsville, Saltillo, and Arkansas. She became a Christian at the age of 18 and was a faithful member of the Booneville Church of Christ until her health would not permit her to attend on a regular basis. Rachel loved spending time with her family and cooking for the holidays. She also loved taking her grandchildren shopping, eating out especially at Cracker Barrel, sewing, going to Tunica and watching basketball.
A Celebration of Life will be at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at McMillan Funeral Home with Minister Jim Estes officiating. Burial will be in the Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
She is survived by her husband, Buster Daniel; her daughter, Pam Parker; her grandchildren, Wesley Wheeler, Miranda Wheeler, Britt Wheeler (April), Justin Parker (Victoria), Jacklyn Byrd (Brandon), Jeriona Estes (Shane), Jannah Beth Parker (Allison), William Ross Wheeler (Helen), Amy Wheeler; great-grandchildren, Joleigh Ann Parker, Kross Parker, Anne Lyssa Russell, Zoey Bain, Karson Wheeler, Kylen Wheeler, Milleigh Kate Byrd, Ty Brody Byrd, Meiah Beth Byrd, Ainsley Sheffield, Chevy Erwin, Scotty Chapman and Lane Mize; several nieces and nephews; her step-daughters, Melinda Hinson and Alice Garrett; her step-grandchildren, Casey McGee and Bobby McGee; her step-great-grandchildren, Kase Mackin, Waylon Garrett, Laci Garrett and Georganna Whitley.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her previous husband, Fred Whitley; her sons, Mickey Wheeler and Kenny Wheeler; her sisters, Opal Pounders, Theresia Taylor and Gerleen Whitley; her grandson, Sean Wheeler; her step-son, Kenny Whitley.
Pallbearers will be Justin Parker, Britt Wheeler, Shane Estes, Brandon Byrd, Karson Wheeler, and Kylen Wheeler.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com
