Natalie Mary Whatley, 69, passed away on January 15, 2019 at Baptist Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by family. She was born October 20, 1949 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Mary Etter and John Charles. She was a loving mother and faithful wife. She attended St. Ann’s Academy graduated in 1967. She received her associates degree in elementary education from Westark in 1986, and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1987. She taught first grade for five and a half years at MacArthur elementary. She then moved on to be an investigator for Crawford county DHS for three and a half years; until she took a position at Cedarville elementary teaching special education. She retired from teaching and enjoyed spending time with family, fishing and picking blackberries.
She is preceded in death by her father John Charles, Mother Marry Etter and Stepfather James Etter Sr., and a sister Theresa Henley.
Natalie is survived by husband James Whatley of the home, four daughters Theresa Long of Waldron, May Deshazo of Booneville, Margaret House of Waldron, and Sharon Williams of Fort Smith, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family will visit with friends Sunday January 20, 2019 from 2:00 pm- 4:00pm at Fentress Mortuary. Funeral Services for Natalie will be Monday January 21, 2019 at 10:00 am in the Fentress Mortuary Chapel, 1805 North A Street Fort Smith, Arkansas, with burial at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Online tributes may be made at www.fentressmortuary.com
