Patricia Bailey Whatley

Patricia Bailey Whatley passed away peacefully on Friday August 23rd, 2004. She was 85. Pat (as she was known) was born in 1938 to Bernice and James Bailey in Freeport, Texas, the youngest of four daughters. She attended Port Sulphur high school in Louisiana, where she was the valedictorian of her graduation class. She later attended Southeastern Louisiana University.

In 1958, she married Gilbert Hale, Jr. Together, they raised four children. After several moves, the family settled in Houston, Texas.

Pat married a second time. She discovered a soulmate in Floyd Whatley and the two wed in 1988. Floyd was a Presbyterian Minister and together they poured themselves into church and community. She and Floyd discovered a love of camping, hiking and outdoor discovery, escaping for weeks at a time in their camper. They loved cooking together, playing cards, doting on their pet cats and entertaining friends and family.

Family, service and deep faith formed the cornerstones of Pat’s life as she volunteered at numerous food pantries and soup kitchens. She spent years delivering meals to those in need for “Meals on Wheels.” She was also a voracious reader and nurtured a lifelong passion for learning.

Pat cherished a quiet evening spent laughing and reminiscing with those she loved over a glass of wine.

She was the beautiful smile that greeted everyone that crossed her threshold, whether at home, in church or out in public. She was a warm, welcoming light who attracted people and always let them know what they meant to her. It was contagious.

Pat is survived by her four children: Laura Dornblaser (husband Dan), Jim Hale (wife Dana), Jamie Peacock (husband David) and Tom Hale (wife Kelly), as well as 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her “bonus children” JulieAnn Brown (partner Dee), Rachel Stokes (husband John) and Myron Whatley (wife Darcy). She is preceded in death by her husband Floyd, her three sisters (Barbara, Jamie and Frances) and her beloved grandson, Chad.

The Funeral will be held on Monday August 26th at 2pm at Central Presbyterian Church at 402 N. College Street in Waxahachie, Texas. The Family wishes to thank the numerous caregivers and staff at Brookdale Assisted Living in Waxahachie and Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas. We are forever grateful for your kindness and tender care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can made in Mom’s name to Central Presbyterian Church 402 N. College St., Waxahachie Texas 75165