Reba Whatley

Reba Whatley obituary, Kilgore, TX

Reba Whatley

Reba Whatley Obituary

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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Reba's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Reba Whatley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Reba Whatley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?