Ophelia Collins Whatley-Updated

Ophelia Collins Whatley, 88, of Spring Hill, Arkansas passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Heather Manor Nursing Home in Hope, Arkansas surrounded by her children.

Ophelia was born on August 18, 1936, in Hope, Arkansas to Joe Harold Collins and Rebecca Fern Bobo Collins. She was a retired bank branch manager for Citizens Bank then Bancorp South for many years. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 68 years, Roy Clifford “Big Daddy” Whatley, and her grandson, Brandon “Bruno” Kidd.

Survivors include her four children, Donna Lemley of Spring Hill, AR; Danny and Teresa Whatley of Spring Hill, AR; Judy and Mark Anderson of Hope, AR; and Terry and Wendi Whatley of Spring Hill, AR; “Grandmother” has fourteen grandchildren, thirty-three great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

Ophelia was a 1954 Graduate of Spring Hill High School. She grew up as an only child and always dreamed of a big family. She got her wish and spent her most favorite times at the lake, camping with her family. No one ever entered her house without her asking to make them something to eat, especially her homemade ham and dumplings. Later, when she had her grandkids, she would buy big-sized candy bars to give them, because she knew they didn’t want the little ones. You could not talk badly about any of “Grandmother’s babies,” she would defend them from anyone. Apart from her family, she also loved working at the bank, she made an impression on so many. She had that special ability to make everyone feel special and people were drawn to her because of that.

Visitation from 10:00 am-11:00 am on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill. Funeral service will follow immediately after visitation at 11:00 am with Bro. Drake Anderson and Bro. Eric Fisher officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Cemetery (Spring Hill, AR) following the service. Service and burial are under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home, Hope, Arkansas.

The Whatley Family would like to thank Heather Manor Nursing Home and their staff for their love and compassion they have given to our mom and family during the past few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bethany Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Arkansas.