Elizabeth "Betty" Carolina Whatley

Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Carolina Cook Whatley, 96, Atlanta, died on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at her residence, following several years of declining health. Born on May 11, 1920, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Betty was educated in the North Carolina public schools and the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where she earned an AB degree in chemistry. Her work career started as a bacteriologist in the North Carolina State Laboratory of Hygiene and later she worked as a chemist in the Alabama State Fertilizer Laboratory, Auburn, AL. Betty was married in Raleigh, North Carolina on March 21, 1947, to William (Bill) D. Whatley. They had three children: Jo Anne (Richard Cary {Rick}) Highfield, Nancy Carol (David) Simpson, and the Rev. Gary Lynn (Dawn Thorne) Whatley. Betty is survived by her husband of 69 years; six children (including spouses); five grandchildren: Richard Thomas (Christina Daniele Walker) Highfield, Jonathan David (Lina Villegas) Highfield, Cynthia Marie Whatley, Katelyn Elizabeth Whatley, and Ryan William Whatley; and four great grandchildren: Riley Frances Highfield, Lindsey Anne Highfield, Walker Thomas Highfield, and Joseph William Highfield. As a brave bride, Betty Whatley moved to Auburn, Alabama, where her husband was a student, joining a family most of whom she had never met. She became a Whatley in the fullest spirit, joining a family that came to love her as a biological sibling. She loved the Lord and the Lord's church and was devoted to the church family.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Emory (Elizabeth Jennette Kaple) Cook; her sister, Dorothy Evelyn (Luke Andrew) Powell; and daughter-in-law, Vivian Dale Philips Whatley. With a wonderful sense of public spirit, for 21 years Betty served faithfully as a Red Cross volunteer in DeKalb General Hospital's recovery room. She was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. When her son was young she served as a Cub Scout leader. An anecdote of Betty's life was in a contrast in her life flexibility: her father was a college professor and yet in the 1950s Betty was raising chickens in Iowa.

The Whatley family is appreciative of the tender attention given to Betty by caregivers Charla Yett, Sharon Horton and Judy Cochran. Hospice Services provided by the Agape organization has provided help in every detail of Betty's care for the past few weeks, for both medical and personal needs.

Memorial Services will be held in the sanctuary of the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033 at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2016, officiated by the Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert. Visitation will be in the church parlor following the Service. Interment Service will be held on Friday, October 7, in the Whatley Cemetery, Whatley, AL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund of Oak Grove United Methodist Church or the charity of choice.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033