Obituary of Barbara L. Whitley

Barbara Louise Whitley was born in Okolona, Mississippi to the late James & Emma Mae Gates on February 24, 1936. She was the third oldest of thirteen children. Barbara Gates at the time was fondly called “Bobbie Lee” by her family. Barbara grew up in times very different than now. As an older sibling she embraced caregiving and by 8 years old, she was cooking full meals. This was a skill she taught her other siblings as well, she instructed them with loving care that would be passed down to many generations. She was educated in the Okolona School System, later attending Okolona College. Barbara confessed a hope in Christ at a very young age at Redbud Missionary Baptist Church in Okolona, MS. Barbara met the love of her life, the Late Reverend Arzell Whitley Sr., and the two became one in 1956. They moved to St. Louis, Missouri to start a family. Barbara started nursing school not long after they arrived in St. Louis. However, in her unselfish way she decided to devote herself to a growing family. This union bore seven children; five who have preceded her in death Arzell Whitley Jr., Gwendolyn Lander, Jaqueline Whitley, Michael Whitley, and John Whitley. In 1976, she became a member of the Greater St. Matthew M.B. Church, under the leadership of the Late Pastor W. E. Williams and later under Pastor Robert L. Westbrook. She leaves to cherish her memory two children, Clifton Whitley III and Barbara Whitley-Campbell (Charles); two sisters, Blenzine Powe (Sunny), Annie Ree Brown (Leon);thirteen grandchildren, Durrell Stanley (deceased), Danny, Darcy Jr., Kyesha, Dontaye, Latrice, T’Anna, TaMera (Devin Sr.), Michael Jr., Charles IV, Kerrion, T’Era, 12 great grandchildren that she loved so dearly. We can’t forget all her bonus grandchildren, it’s impossible to count them all because of her overflowing love, a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.