Bennie Catherine “Katie” Whalen was born on May 3, 1928 in Sardis, MS to parents Benjamin and Lois (Appleton) Hanks and entered into eternal rest on August 29, 2020 at the age of 92. Katie was in the graduating Class of 1946 from Sardis High School. She married the love of her life, Chester Whalen Sr., on December 24, 1947 in Senatobia, MS. Katie was strong willed and independent, but also caring and giving. She worked as a voting poll worker and was well known throughout Senatobia, MS. Katie was a member of Church of Christ in Senatobia. She was an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. Katie will be immensely missed by all those who knew and loved her. Since moving to Gun Barrel City, she came to enjoy having coffee with the ladies, 3 days a week.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Chester Whalen, on December 23, 1974, sisters; Jean, Sarah and JoAnne, brothers Charles and Bennie Hanks.
She is survived by her son Chester Whalen Jr. and wife Lenore of Gun Barrel City, grandson Richard Triplett and wife Betsy of Mesquite, grandson Corey Whalen and wife Darcie of Richardson, great-granddaughter Kaylie Dawn, great-granddaughter Zoe Anne, great-grandson Ian Hayden, great-granddaughter Stephanie M. Salazar and husband Clayton, great-great grandsons; Cal B. and Colton B., great-grandson Adam W. Triplett and wife Torie Costello, great-great grandsons; Lucas W. and Elijah, great-granddaughter Courtney E. Triplett, other loving family members and many more lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Katie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate or #800-805-5856 or to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital at www.scottishriteforchildren.org or #214-559-7650.
