Leatha E. Whitley

Published 2:16 pm Monday, June 13, 2011

Sedley – Leatha Edwards “MeMa” Whitley, 89, passed away June 12, 2011 at her residence. A lifelong resident of Southampton County, she was a daughter of the late Hurley and Martha Cobb Edwards. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Julian Linwood Whitley, and three sisters, Bonnie Askew, Bessie Bradshaw and Kathleen Wade. Mrs. Whitley was a nineteen year employee of Hancock Peanut Company and was a member of Sedley Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are five daughters, Shirley W. Coggsdale (Jimmy) of New Port Richey, FL, Patsy W. Butler (C. J.) of Colerain, NC, Linda W. Johnson of Courtland, Nettie W. Boyce (Roger) of Sedley, Jean W. Barrett (Keith) of Zuni; two sons, Ronald E. Whitley, Sr. of Sedley and David Lee Whitley (Dawn) of Capron; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and special friend, Ashby Blythe.

A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sedley Baptist Church with the Rev. James Foreman and Rev. David Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 pm Tuesday at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin. Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to Sedley Baptist Church. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.