Wilhelmina Whaley, born August 19, 1935, age 85, went home to the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ on May 17, 2021. She was born and raised in the small town of Alexander City, Alabama. She was the daughter of Joseph Carey Thomas and Florence Grace Thornell (Thomas) (Towery), who proceeded her in passing, along with a brother, John Larry Thomas, and husband, Fred S. Whaley.

Wilhelmina was a funny, loving, special person. She had a wicked sense of humor and was very quick witted. She had the most beautiful green eyes and she never lost her lovely southern accent. She would tell people to shorten her name to "Mina" because she was "Meana" than you. Being a fabulous cook with the ability to make any dish more delicious and fattening resulted from her Southern heart. In 1957 she was sewing feet onto little children's pajamas at Russell Mills in Alexander City, Alabama. A handsome man, Fred S. Whaley, had also worked there turning cotton into cloth. But because it was such a hot factory with no air conditioning, he moved to Lansing to work at Oldsmobile. During change-over he returned down South and they met at a party. It was as they say, "Magic." The couple corresponded for a time and he finally convinced her to leave Alabama for Michigan. They eloped and got a small apartment in downtown Lansing.

Along came a son, John Timothy "Slim", a daughter, Terri Lynne, and son Jerry Dwayne Whaley. They had one grandson, John Charles (J.C.) Whaley and Nichole Bingham, who added to the family three lovely great-grandchildren, Destiny Maraya, Faith Tayana and Johnathin Robert-Timothy Whaley.

In 2003, she discovered more family, adding a little brother, Julius Earl (Lynda) Towery. She especially loved all of her nephews, nieces, and cousins. She considered Terri's friends her adopted daughters, DuWayna Downey, Rosie Taylor, Jill Smith, Linda Bierwagon, Sue Curtis and Tammy Jordan.

She loved spending time with her "Number One" son, Tim, as he was called in our family. He would take her favorite sandwich and other wonderful treats to her. He initiated the early morning family gathering at Cracker Barrel where she could have her favorite grits and biscuits. She was always grateful for those visits.

Traveling with her daughter, Terri, was always something she enjoyed doing. A special memory of Terri's was her mother sewing a "business suit" for her graduation. Wilhelmina was a gifted seamstress. She always enjoyed spending time at church and working with Terri together on projects. If Mina could help, she was always willing to do so, helping with any event or family need. She felt blessed to be in God's service and could often be found in the kitchen at church helping with potlucks. She loved being with her family, her church family and many, many friends.

Fred and Wilhelmina would load up the family Olds and return to Alabama for family events. They especially enjoyed the two weeks every summer to go fishing and catch up with loved ones. Large family gatherings with catfish frying and all the fixing was something the entire family looked forward to.

Wilhelmina will be greatly missed, but knowing she is with her Lord is a great comfort to the family. A Homecoming Celebration Service will be held at the Holmes Road Church of Christ, 321 E. Holmes Road, Lansing, Michigan at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 5. A lunch will be provided following the service.