Mary Miller Whitener's Obituary
The family of Mary Miller Whitener mourns her death which occurred on May 5, 2025, when she entered her eternal home with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Mary was born the youngest of nine on May 20, 1926, to James T. Miller and Mary Gregory Miller. She spent her childhood in Mexia, Texas graduating from Mexia High School in 1943. She married local Texas boy, Charles, a year later; a marriage that lasted 70 years before his death in 2014. The couple moved to Dallas in 1951, bringing their first three young children, when Charles started his law practice. Two more children were added to the family a few years later.
Mary was a devoted wife, mother and servant of the Lord. She displayed an incredible amount of love to her family, friends, and all those she met. While her children were in school, she acted as room mother and was PTA president at Lake Highlands High School, where all five children graduated. The family joined First Baptist Church of Dallas in 1965 and Mary started teaching 3rd grade Sunday School shortly thereafter. She impacted the lives of hundreds of children over the next forty years, many of whom continued their relationship with her for decades. She also taught Vacation Bible School and conversational English and was involved in many other women’s ministries.
Mary was a dedicated wife who strove to meet her husband’s every need. Mary delighted in being involved in her children’s school and sports activities. She was supportive of all their endeavors and encouraged each one to do their very best. She is cherished by her grandchildren because of her creative ways to entertain and express her love to them, as well as teaching them about Jesus.
Due to her creativity, talents, servant heart, and love for people, Mary’s passions were varied and numerous. She loved decorating, especially for all the holiday occasions. Her gardening skills were so impressive that she won “Yard of the Month” just about every year in which she was eligible. Mary used her cooking and entertaining skills to host large gatherings, give bridal and baby showers, and be the first one to bring food at a time of need. Her sewing skills provided her daughters an abundance of outfits and hundreds of doll clothes for their enjoyment. She also used these skills in decorating by making pillows, curtains, bedspreads and reupholstering furniture. Mary loved antiquing, shopping, and adding to her many collections. Nothing gave Mary more momentary joy than a bowl of ice cream.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her husband Charles, sons Cleve and Nathan and son-in-law, Jamie Rohe. She is survived by daughters, Cherry Rohe and Nancy (Jim) DePue, son Sid (Sherri) Whitener, daughter-in-law Becky Whitener, grandchildren Kristin (Nate) Gustafson, Meagan (Kenneth) Siddall, Lauren Whitener, Courtney (Gary) Chacon, Ethan (Brooke) DePue, Austin (Malia) DePue, 11 great grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and special family friend Jackie Henderson.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the caregivers at Harbor Chase of Southlake, Volante, and Custom Care Hospice.
Visitation/Viewing. Monday, May 12, 2025, 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Restland Funeral Home, Dallas
Celebration of Life Service, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM Restland Funeral Home, Dallas
Private interment is to take place at DFW National Cemetery at a later date.
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