Mary Nell Whitt

Mary Nell "Mama Nell" Whitt, 89, departed this earth on February 3, 2013 in her home following a brief illness. She was born September 26, 1923 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Leroy Wentworth and Mary Nelme Shofner Dyer. She was raised on a farm and attended public schools in Tahlequah and later received her degree in Home Economics from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah. Mary married John Whitt of McAlester on March 3, 1947. Mary raised her family of three boys before pursuing a career as a teacher in Fort Smith Public School System, retiring after 25 years to join her husband to relax and travel. She and her husband were devoted parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, affectionately being called Mama Nee and Papa John. Their delight was in their children, and she especially enjoyed reading, gardening, bridge, cooking, and dinner with special friends Rod and Sally Naucke. Mary was a member of Central Presbyterian Church for 58 years and was very active in the Presbyterian Women, Monday Morning Bible Study, ALL Group, Outreach Committee, Ella Leavitt and Tracy Akin Sunday School Class, Back Pack Program and the Prayer Chain. She is survived by three sons, Mike and wife Charlotte Whitt of Little Rock, Chris Whitt of Fort Smith, and David and wife Jan Whitt of Fort Smith; grandchildren; Robert Whitt, Storm Nolan, Laura McNeese, Kane Whitt, and Matthew Whitt; great-grandchildren; Connor Whitt, Olivia Whitt and Abigail Whitt; along with many nieces and nephews, and their children and grand children. She was preceded in death by her husband John D. Whitt, her parents, and siblings, Frank Dyer, Willard Dyer, Eugena Dyer, Lucille Lee, and Marie Rainwater. Memorial service will be Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the Central Presbyterian Church with private burial in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Kane Whitt, Storm Nolan, Matthew Whitt and Connor Whitt. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 2901 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.