Mary McQueen Sanford Whatley

May 14, 1937 - June 29, 2023

Mary McQueen Sanford Whatley peacefully passed away on June 29, 2023. She was born on May 14, 1937, in El Paso, Texas. The Sanford family returned to their homeplace in Prattville, AL in 1940. She attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA and transferred to Auburn University to receive a degree in Education. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She met her husband, Woods, in Atlanta, GA, while she was teaching elementary school and they were married in 1963. They moved to Opelika, AL with their two children, Forest and Mary Lea, in 1981. In Opelika, she began a new career in real estate with J.S. White Realty and retired from Reality South in 2018. She worked as a relator in the Auburn-Opelika area for over 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Owen Murfee Sanford and Robert Lee Sanford; her husband, Forest Woods Whatley; and her sister, Louise Sanford Butner. She is survived by her brothers, Robert Lee Sanford Jr., Joseph Graham Sanford, and James Hopson Sanford (Dot Sanford). She is also survived by her son, Forest Woods Whatley Jr., (Leigh Hull Whatley); her daughter, Mary Lea Nist; and her four grandchildren, Ann McQueen Whatley, William Thomas Nist, Forest Leland Whatley, and Elizabeth Pratt Nist.

She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Trinity Church for 42 years. She was a devoted wife and mother who was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Mary McQueen also formed special relationships with her caretaker angels over the past year and loved each one of them dearly.

There will be a family graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery on July 6, 2023 with visitation at 1 p.m., at Trinity Church, Opelika, AL. The Memorial Service will follow at 2 p.m., with Reverend Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Church, 800 2nd Avenue Opelika, AL 36801 or to Compassus Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Dr., Building 100, Auburn, AL 36830.

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

Published by The Opelika-Auburn News from Jul. 1 to Jul. 6, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Whatley

Sponsored by Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

7 Entries

Pat Tooke

July 8, 2023

As one of Queenie´s 4 roommates over 60 years ago, we have so many cherished memories to treasure. As Kappa Delta sisters at Auburn and teachers in Atlanta we shared life everyday. Then came marriages & time to go our separate ways. That did not prevent us from our strong bond iof sisterhood & we have continued to remain close as we have shared the joys & disappointments in our lives. We will miss Queenie so much but, thankful she is healed after persevering to over come such long health issues. She was a beautiful Christian woman who dedicated her life to providing for her family with such love & devotion. She was truly a "Southern Lady ".
My deepest sympathy to her wonderful family.
Blessings, Pat Tooke

Jean Hanson

July 6, 2023

Mary McQueen was often referred to as a "True Southern Lady" by many who knew her. Her quiet easy-mannered, soft-spoken words earned her the respect of those she worked with day-in and day-out. She was always forthright with her customers and met every difficulty with vigor and determination to accomplish every task no matter how difficult it might be. What a pleasure for me to work along side Mary McQueen for her entire career in real estate. We became the best of friends and I will treasure her memory in my heart forever.

Brittney Heard

July 5, 2023

Mrs. Whatley was such a sweet woman who even in her time of distress made me feel welcome to the area after my recent arrival. I´ll think of her often and always have her advice on my garden and raising my toddler. My deepest condolences to the family on the loss of a beautiful soul.

jimmie warren

July 4, 2023

Mary was a wonderful woman. She was a blessing to be around. First class in all respects.

Reggie Strickland

July 4, 2023

We are saddened to hear of the passing of our Dear Sister Mrs. Whatley. We are praying for comfort and peace for the family during this difficult time. Please accept our deepest condolences. Reggie & Priscilla Strickland

Stacey Sanders

July 2, 2023

Mary McQueen you were the epitome of a professional and ethical Realtor. You were one of the first Realtors to let me know you were there for me if I needed anything. Then I got to know your family as my son and your grandson Will grew up together. You are a rare gem and will be missed.

Linda Rubio

July 1, 2023

You will be missed, dear friend. I loved your smile, gentle ways and encouraging words.
Linda Rubio

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