Mildred Whatley, age 97, of Malvern, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 in Hot Springs. She was born November 17, 1928, in DeRoche, AR to the late Clarence and Euna Siratt Tankersley. She was a member of the Lono High School graduating class of 1945 and went on to graduate from Henderson State University in 1955. She married Joel T. "Bud" Whatley on April 20, 1946.  She taught elementary school at Lono, Fair View, and Smith Schools in Malvern and retired after 42 years in the classroom.   She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Malvern and was also a charter member of Star of Bethlehem #574 Order of Eastern Star. She was a proud member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association as well as the National Education Association. Mildred enjoyed walking and just spending time out on the farm when she was able.  She eventually went to live at The Crossing where she and her buddies could be found at any given time in a friendly game of dominoes or sitting around the table with cards in hand playing one of numerous card games they loved to play.

Mildred is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bud Whatley; son-in-law, Jim Smith; grandson, David Smith; grandson-in-law, Brick Ables; great-grandson, Steven Smith; brother, Kenneth Wayne Tankersley; and sisters, Velma Harris and Louise Scott.

She is survived by her children; Jerry Whatley and wife Peggy of Lono and Myra Smith of Glen Rose; grandchildren; Robert Smith and wife Stacy of Benton, Jerry Smith and wife Amy of Glen Rose, Jenny Lanier and husband Mike of Lono, T.J. Whatley and wife Dabney of Ozark, Missouri, and Stacy Marie Smith of Marion, Arkansas; eleven great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will all miss her dearly.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 21, at 2:00 pm in the Regency Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tammy Harrell officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 PM prior to service. Burial will follow at Lono Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Robert Smith, James Smith, Jacob Smith, Mike Lanier, Dennis Massey, and Kirk Crawford.

Memorials may be made to Lono Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.