Carolyn Vondene Whatley, 85, passed away peacefully at home in Lucedale, Mississippi on September 10, 2025, surrounded by loving family.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Lucedale, MS and taught in the George County School System for 22 years.

Vondene was born January 22, 1940, in Millry, Alabama to Cecil Chason Anderson and Neva Lucille Brown Anderson.  She grew up in the Shipman Community in George County, Mississippi.  Vondene was member of the 1958 class of Agricola High School; she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Alabama, returning to complete her formal education after all her children were in grade school.  Once she completed her education, she started teaching in the George County School System and taught at several schools and grades from 1st to 8th grades.  She found joy in knowing she had impacted the lives of hundreds of children through her career.  During her spare time, she enjoyed oil and watercolor painting, traveling to England, Scotland, and Sweden, and in later years connecting with numerous friends and family on social media.

She is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Rayford E. Whatley, one daughter, Sandra Whatley Mallette, three sons, Dennis and Gloria Whatley, Dale and Dana Whatley, and Danny and Lisa Whatley; nine grandchildren, Rendi Murphree (Todd), Scott Murphree, Jason Davis(Mary Ann), Amanda Johnson (Cameron), Tyler Whatley (Christine), Dallas Whatley, Chason Whatley (Erica), Carson Whatley (Megan), and Cooper Whatley (Jill); four great grandchildren, Banks, Brigston, Baker, and Nolan; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Margaret Whatley

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chason and Lucille Anderson, daughter in law, Delores "Missy" Whatley, brother, James C. Anderson, sister, Patsy A. Gibson (Paul), Mother and Father-in-law, Ruben and Ora Whatley, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Audrey Whatley Eubanks and Herbert Eubanks.

The family wishes to offer heartfelt gratitude to Deaconess Hospice Services.  Thank you to Megan, RN, for navigating us during difficult times.  Special thanks to Erica, RN and Brittney, CNA for their skillful and extremely compassionate care during her last weeks.   We are eternally grateful.

The family will host a visitation on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 2pm-4pm in the Chapel of Sigler's Funeral Home, 4248 Main Street Lucedale MS.  Private memorial will be held at a later date.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.