Bessie Louise Whatley passed from this life in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on February 2, 2023.  Her care has been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Bessie was born to Tom and Willene (Clark) Whatley on November 6, 1952, in Orlando, Florida.  She was one of six children.  Living in a home with many siblings gave Bessie a fighting spirit along with a care for others.

Bessie found joy in everything she put her mind to.  She spent her time working as a truck driver, bookkeeper for multiple companies, and even a cook in various restuarants.  She had a true passion for learning, earning multiple bachelor's degrees and even working on her master's degree before she passed.  Bessie loved to craft, crochet, travel but her greatest joy came in being her with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her love for animals was evident and she was able to combine her passion for animals and her grandchildren by helping them open a rescue.

Bessie is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Gary Whatley; sisters, Sharon McClendon, Mildred Yancy; aunt, Mary Alice Whatley; grandchild, Eathan Michael Turner; and great-grandchildren, Lilliana Zita Elizabeth Burch-Langley and Dave Adam Roach.

She will be greatly missed by the family she leaves behind including her daughter, Audra Spellmon; son, Timothy (Randy) Michael Howard; "adopted" daughter, Christina Thomas and husband Skylar; sister, Linda Whatley; brother, Sam Whatley; grandchildren, Heath Britton, William Britton and companion Christina Burch, Jennifer Alexander, Kristafer Michael McCollough, AJ McCollough, Selena Rose Maria McCollough, and Jasmine Paige Lee McCollough; six great-grandchildren, Blayke Aurthor Contreras, Langxtin (Anna) Angel Burch-Langley, Blayze William Alexander Britton, Ivony Lee Jeanné Britton, and Angelina and Wyatt Roach; along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and relatives.

A family and friends memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.