Marilynn Maxwell Whiteley, 80, died on Monday, October 19, 2009, at a local health care facility.
She was the daughter of the late Marion and Thelma McGrady Maxwell of Greenville, N.C.
Dr. Whiteley completed her undergraduate education at East Carolina Teachers College, her master’s at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and her doctorate at the University of Tennessee.
She retired from the Chattanooga school system after teaching at several area elementary schools, where many students called her “Ms. Dr. Whiteley.”
During her life she had been a member of the administrative board of her church, League of Women Voters, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Iota, English Speaking Union, and the American Association of University Women.
Dr. Whiteley was a loving and devoted friend, wife, mother, and “Grammer.” She particularly enjoyed the camaraderie with her friends at their weekly “in-service” Wednesdays. She was a lifelong Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Kenneth Whiteley; daughter, Margaret “Kay” Whiteley.
Survivors include her children, Ken (Cheryl) Whiteley of Hixson; Janet (Dennis) Sullivan of Hixson; six grandchildren, Erin (Mike) Jaynes, Beth Sullivan, Amy Sullivan, Jill Sullivan, Chara Whiteley, and Meara Whiteley. Almost like family were Brenda Kell, her wonderful daily companion during the last year and a half.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the North Chapel, with Rev. Randy Marin officiating. Interment will be in Chattanooga Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the North Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, or to the Alexian Employees Christmas Fund, Signal Mtn., Tn.
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Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, 5401 Hwy. 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.