Alice Irene Whatley, a beloved mother, grandmother cherished friend, and animal activist passed away on April 9, 2026. Alice was born on January 1, 1953 in Elizabeth,NJ and was currently residing in Arkoma, Oklahoma.
Alice’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Alice found joy in life with her family always holding holiday events, sewing, baking, and simply taking care of us all.
Her passion was enjoying nature, bird watching, hiking, and helping all creatures, big and small. She was known for her compassion, stopping to save every turtle in need, and offering kindness to every human she encountered. Her love, and kindness, will be deeply missed in this world.
Alice was preceded in death by her father, Ray Cotton; her mother, Nancy Parker Cotton; her sister, Edith Weaver; and her granddaughter, Abigail June Nielsen.
Alice is survived by her daughter, Sunny Davis; her son, Kyle Edwards; her adopted son, Aaron Tschappat; two brothers, Richard Cotton and Raymond Cotton; and grandchildren Piper Dawn Nielsen, Carley Jo Whatley, Leia Serenity Edwards, Lydia Willow Edwards, and Jensen James Whatley.
A family memorial service will be held at Ben Geren Park, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith, AR, on May 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Australia Zoo (www.crocodilehunter.com), Wildlife Warriors ([email protected]), Save the Manatee Club (www.savethemanatee.org), Sea Turtle Inc. (www.seaturtleinc.com), Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (www.turpentinecreek.org), or World Wildlife Fund (www.worldwildlife.org).
