Obituary published on Legacy.com by Welch Funeral Home on Mar. 9, 2026.
Reba Jean Whatley, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and lifelong resident of
Kilgore, Texas, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 8, 2026. Born and raised in Kilgore, Reba's life was a reflection of deep faith, steadfast love, and the quiet strength that comes from giving selflessly to others.
Reba married her high school sweetheart, Glenn Whatley, and together they built a life grounded in commitment, patience, and unwavering devotion. Their marriage embodied the values closest to Reba's heart-faithfulness, family, and the belief that God's blessings are found in the everyday moments shared with those we love most.
Reba's greatest joy was her family. She poured her heart into raising her two sons, Shane and Shannon, teaching them through her example what it meant to be patient, kind, and steadfast. She loved spending time outdoors with them-fishing, camping, and creating cherished memories at Broken Bow and Martin Creek, places forever woven into their family story. These trips were filled with laughter, lessons, and the simple joys that Reba treasured.
Her love only grew as her family grew. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each one a blessing she held close:
Shane, his children Brennan and Zaynah and her husband Dalton, and their children Presley and Dalton
Shannon and his wife Vanessa, and their children Nessiah, Addison, Olivia, and Levi
Reba was the heart of her family-steady, patient, and always present. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel cared for, supported, and understood. Her home was a place of comfort, her words were gentle, and her love was constant.
A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Reba lived her faith in every aspect of her life. For many years, she served as a Sunday School teacher at Highland Park Assembly of God in Kilgore, where she taught children with tenderness, joy, and a sincere desire to help them know the love of Jesus. Her influence extended far beyond her classroom.
Many young lives were shaped by her patience, kindness, and unwavering belief in God's promises.
Reba is survived by her loving sisters, Linda Cowan and husband Jim and Cathy Goff, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and sisterly devotion.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Maude Davidson, her father, Luther McNeese, and her brothers Allen Ferguson, BJ Ferguson, Mack McNeese, and Wayne Ferguson.
Reba was the most loving and patient mother, sister, and aunt anyone could hope for.
Her presence brought peace, her words brought comfort, and her love brought strength.She lived with purpose-guided by her faith, driven by her devotion to her family, and remembered now for a legacy of compassion, gentleness, and unwavering grace. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her influence will continue in every life she touched.
A Special Thank You
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to April McMillan from The Willows, and to Ariel Wise and Taisha Mackey from Kindful Health, for their exceptional compassion, care, and support during Reba's final season of life. Their kindness brought comfort and peace to both Reba and her loved ones.
A visitation is pending at this time.