Barbara Jean Cox Whaley

Barbara Jean Cox Whaley, Feb 3, 1935- Dec 28, 2020. She was a shining light when she entered the room and became a friend to everyone that she met. She graduated from Everett High School Class of 1953 and remained close to her classmates her entire life. She was a Veteran of the United States Army where she served as a nurse. She was Dr John Ingram III‘s first nurse in Maryville who is a wonderful doctor and friend to the family. On July 14, 1956, she married the love of her life Earl R. Whaley. They met at Broadway Baptist Church and traveled the world together. Earl & Barbara had a wonderful marriage that people can only dream about. She was a devoted Christian who raised her children in church every Sunday. She loved to laugh, shop, travel and wear jewelry. She was a beautiful woman with the most amazing heart. Barbara devoted her entire life to her family and will be greatly missed. She is proceeded in death by her Granddaughter Jessica Jones, Her Parents Ralph and Odessa Cox. She is survived by the love of her life - her loving husband of over 64 years, Earl R. Whaley. Children: Earl Whaley, Jr (Veronica), Beverly Whaley, Debra McLain (William), Nancy Haire (Chris), Grandchildren: Amanda Arnold (Brett), Earl Whaley III, Jeremy Whaley, Michael Whaley (Sara), Kim Effler (Charlie), Katherine Jones, Sherry Paul (Keith), Matthew Jones (Melody), Stephanie Wasserman (David), Taylor Haire; Great Grandchildren: Lillybelle Arnold, Luke Headrick, Emma Foutch, Mallory Kroll, Haley & Landon Paul, Terry Jones, Daniel & Benjamin Wasserman and Colton, Dillon, Victoria, Annabelle, Michael & Emma Whaley; Brother: Thomas Cox. (Linda). Friends and family can come at their convenience on Thursday, Dec 31st from 9 am to 4 pm at Smith Trinity Chapel (Maryville, TN). Private graveside service will be Sat, Jan 2nd at 11 am at Sherwood Memorial Gardens (Alcoa, TN) officiated by Rev. Tod Zeiger. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 191, Alcoa, TN 37701 in her memory as she loved having a Bible provided by the Gideons in all of the hotel rooms as her and Earl traveled with all her friends and business associates. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara Jean Cox Whaley please visit our Sympathy Store.