Della Whatley

Della Shannon Whatley, 98, passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Stilwell Retirement Residence in Waco.

Private graveside services will be held in Chandler, Texas, with a memorial service in Waco, later this spring.

Della was born May 29, 1925, in Huntsville and was the oldest of five children. After high school graduation, Della attended Sam Houston State University where she met her husband, Thomas Howard Whatley. Della and Thomas were married on July 25, 1942, and moved to Waco soon after the end of World War II. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Baylor University. They had three daughters together: Haven, Marilea, and April, who were all raised in Waco. Della was a respected educator, beginning her career as a teacher at Lake Waco Elementary School, a principal at Provident Heights Elementary, and after 30 years, retired as an assistant superintendent of the Corsicana Independent School District. She was appointed as the first Director of Special Education of the Waco Independent School District, and this position brought the greatest professional joy and pride to her. Throughout her life she received numerous professional awards and served in many organizations, including as President of the Council for Exceptional Children and President of Delta Kappa Gamma. In everything she did, Della was a leader. She was an intrepid, lifelong learner and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. After retiring, she became an avid bridge player and enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren and later her five great-grandchildren. Della was an active member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a beloved member of First United Methodist Church where she served in many leadership roles, including Bible Study Fellowship Leader, Stephen’s Minister, and Director of Meals on Wheels. She served as President of the Board of the Lake Air Tower, where she resided from 1972-2013. She then moved to Stilwell Retirement Residence, where she enjoyed living with her fellow retired teachers and friends for the remainder of her life.

Della was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin, and Dell Shannon; her siblings, Marie, Tom, and Jimmy Shannon; her adored husband, Thomas Howard Whatley; her oldest daughter, Haven Whatley Toothman; and her sister-in-law, Ethalea Whatley Newman.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilea Whatley Lewis and her husband Dan G. Lewis, and April Whatley Bedford; her son-in-law, Chester Lee Toothman; her grandchildren, Shannon Toothman and his wife, Jennifer, Jason Toothman and his wife, Vicki, Hunter Lewis, Sheridan Lewis, and Tommy Meacham; and her great-grandchildren, Brooks, Graham, and Ryder Toothman, and Maria and Andrea Toothman; she is also survived by her brother, Tannie Shannon and his wife, Frances; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Her family would especially like to thank her devoted friends, Gloria Stonum, Donna Fadal, Linda Hammond, and Eleanor Pate.

Memorials may be made to Stilwell Retirement Residence or Alzheimer’s Association.