Merlene Jackson Whitten (we mis-identified her as Sherry in the 2009 Roundup)
72, class of 1959, went to be with her Lord on July 31, 2013, after a battle with cancer and a heart condition, at UAMS in Little Rock. She was born March 24, 1941 in Stillwater, OK to Merle and Opal Jackson. She married Phil Whitten on September 2, 1960 and as a faithful servant of God, she served alongside her pastor husband in ministry in various roles; as Children’s Choir Coordinator, Children’s Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, and any role she saw that needed to be filled. She loved the Lord, her family, and her church. Merlene was a homemaker and was a compassionate soul, never judgmental and always seeking to make others comfortable.

She is survived by her loving husband, Reverend Phil Whitten; her three adoring children, Sherry Goodrum and her husband John, of Fort Smith, Phyllis Poole and her husband Jimmy, of Van Buren, and Phil Whitten Jr. of Fort Smith; and three grandchildren, Breanne, Amelia, and Carlee Goodrum.- Photo
Richard Hackl 20 Sep 2013