Margaret was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Gordon Travis Whitely. She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Kenneth Kean Mattox, sisters Nannie Mai Hunt, Thelma Graves Crawford, Marie White; and brother, Willard Rader.
She is survived by her daughters, Lori Mattox, and Elizabeth (Larry) Gammon, granddaughters Kara Mattox, and Kasey (Jeremy) Anthony, grandson Lester Gammon, and great-grandchildren Hunter, Adalynn, and Jack Anthony.
Born and raised at 1904 Overton Street in Old Hickory, Margaret graduated from DuPont High School. She attended the Old Hickory Church of Christ where she met and later married Travis. They moved to Hermitage in 1964 and began attending the Hermitage Church of Christ. Margaret served as a Sunday School teacher and supervisor for over 50 years. She also helped establish the Meals on Wheel program, attended church camps, and supported Travis in his role as an elder for 27 years. She was currently a member at the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ.
Margaret was a homemaker and was known for her cooking. She was an avid reader and read the Bible from cover to cover every other year. Margaret loved the Lord, she loved her family, her friends, and she loved to laugh. She was a bit of a mischief maker and her eyes twinkled with love and laughter.
The past 19 months of her life were spent at Carrick Glen Assisted Living Facility where she was loved and well-cared for by all. The family is forever grateful for the love and care she received at Carrick Glen and the friendships she made. Special thanks to Jessica Long and Summer Sesnan. Heartfelt thanks to Amedysis Hospice for the excellent care received, especially nurse Chelsea. Thanks also to Sylvia Wade for being the world’s best sitter. The family also wishes to thank Larry Ford for lovingly bringing “church” to Margaret for the past year and a half.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM, officiated by Craig Evans. Visitation will take place Monday, July 27, from 4:00 until 8:00 and again on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the Hermitage Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lester Gammon, Jeremy Anthony, Dennis Chappell, Ben Coles, David Minton, Allan Tucker, Allen Whitely.
Memorial donations may be made to Healing Hands International Walk4Water, 455 McNally Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 or AGAPE Nashville, 4555 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Whitely family at www.HermitageFH.com.
