Natalie Bumgarner

Natalie “Lee” Bumgarner, 96, of Bay Minette, AL, formerly of Arcola, IL passed away at 4:21 AM on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Crown Health Center in Bay Minette, AL.

A Celebration of Lee’s life officiated by Rev. Paula Carmichael will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Arcola Presbyterian Church, 305 East Jefferson St., Arcola, IL. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Born Margaret Natalie Wheelon, of Black Mountain, NC on May 9, 1928, she was the daughter of Harry G. and Bonnie Mae (Dellinger) Wheelon. Called Natalie by family, she was known as Lee by friends. Lee attended School in Morganton, NC as well as Black Mountain. Lee’s education included training at the “Grace of Episcopal Hospital”. Lee was a Dental Assistant to Dr. Falls, Coffey and Derricks. She also held a position as section supervisor with Shadowline Lingerie Co. for several years.

Lee was a member of the Arcola Presbyterian Church. She served as Deacon and Elder, was the past president of the Arcola Presbyterian Women, a member of the Choir and a soloist and was past president of the Arcola Culture Music Club.

Lee loved reading and writing Fairy Tales for children. She was the Author of two books of poetry, “Songs of the Soul” and “Soul Songs”. Lee loved to paint and did so in all mediums, she studied music at Western Carolina and art at EIU.

Surviving are three children, son, William E. Bumgarner, Jr and his wife Colletta of Greenfield, IN, daughter, Patricia Gail Hawkins and her husband Leon Garrett of Bay Minette, AL, son, Eric H.C. Bumgarner and his wife Paula of Sherman, IL, nine grandchildren, Jeffrey Gardner, Christopher Bumgarner, Nicholas Bumgarner, Shawna McNamer, Gary Achor, Amy Martin, Noel, Jerrod and Dusty Garrett. 21 great grandchildren, Phillip, Colin, Cole, Cayden, Brayden, Taylor, Haley, Catelin, Rayden, Emilye, Hunter, Carter, Kaden, Kalob, Amelia, Henry, Maddox, Ella Jo, Jordan, Ella, Hayden, five great great grandchildren and one sister, Marry “Polly” Cockrell of North Carolina.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband, William Bumgarner of 66 years, a sister, Peggy, a brother, William, and her parents.