Bessie Whatley, affectionately known by her grandchildren as Momma Bessie, quietly left her 91st year for her heavenly home at 7:15 am on Thursday, November 5th, 2015 with friends and family at her bedside. Born August 24th, 1924 to the late Sam Whatley, Sr. and Willie Bell Warner Whatley. Bessie was the youngest of nine children. She is survived by her son Yahya El Ani (Laura); grandchildren, Tammy Fuller (Dwayne) and Torrie Thompkins (Erica); twelve great grandchildren; and one great great grandson. Bessie is also survived by her adopted children Tommy and Lynne Hunt, her dear friend Janice Lewis, and her special nieces Katy and Penny. Pallbearers are Torrie Thompkins, Tommy Hunt, Cameron Thompkins, Brandon Thompkins, Sylvester Worshem, and Anthony Godwin. Celebration of Life for Bessie will be on Thursday, November 12th, 2015 at Elmwood Chapel from 12:30 to 2:00 pm with funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery. A special thank you to Carolyn Godwin for taking such good care of our mother.
