Nancy Flo Bylander Whitley, 82, of Benton passed away March 28. Nancy Whitley excelled in all areas of life and will be remembered for her compassionate spirit, unfaltering determination, and joyful outlook. She was born June 2, 1931, in Little Rock, Ark. She was preceded in death by her father, Edger G. Bylander; her mother, Faye Dallas; step-father, Lonnie Dallas; and one grandson, Matthew Whitley.
Nancy Whitley is survived by her husband, John Whitley; three sons, Rick Whitley and his wife Sharon from North Little Rock, Randall Whitley and his wife Vicki from Benton, and Mark Whitley from Dana Point, Calif.; two grandsons, Clint Whitley and his wife Elizabeth from Little Rock and Michael Whitley from Beebe; two granddaughters, Jolie Hobbs and her husband Brett from Van Buren, Brennan Whitley from Berkeley, Calif.; and three great-grandchildren.
Nancy Whitley was raised in Little Rock, graduated from Little Rock Senior High, class of 1949, and attended University of Arkansas Fayetteville and Little Rock Junior College. In the summer of 1950 she was Arkansas's first female host of a radio show "The Nancy Bylander Show, Musical Memories" on KXLR. In 1951 she married her husband John and made their home in California where he was in boot camp. After his tour of duty in Korea they moved back to Benton to open a floor covering business and raise their family. John and Nancy Whitley recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Nancy Whitley was active in Parkview United Methodist Church where she was volunteer church secretary for 20 years, served on the board, taught Sunday school and was the youth counselor. She was a charter member of the Churches Joint Council on Human Needs and worked on the emergency committee for several years. She also served as chairman of the Office of Volunteer Services and president of the Council of Garden Clubs of Benton. Nancy Whitley was honored with the Community Service Award on KTHV Eye on Arkansas television show for her volunteer activities. For the last several years John and Nancy Whitley were members of First United Methodist Church.
Nancy Whitley was an accomplished athlete in several sports including bowling and golf. She won the club championship several times over the years. She was a gifted artist and spent time painting, wood carving and many other art projects. John and Nancy Whitley enjoyed winters in South Texas.
Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday March 30th at Ashby Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Pine Crest Memorial Park on Monday 10 a.m. March 31. Honorary pallbearers are the members of First United Methodist Church Dorcas Class and special friend Jessie Ray.
The Whitley family is thankful for the love and support from friends and the volunteers and staff at Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

Published March 30, 2014