Wilma Dean Whaley "Babe"

Wilma Dean Whaley “Babe”, 93, of Johnson City, Tennessee, went home to Jesus on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at her home.

Babe was born February 1, 1932, in LaFollette, Tennessee, to the late Hale and Nannie (Hatmaker) Johnson. She had eight brothers and five sisters, and she was the youngest of them all, so they nicknamed her “Babe,” and she is still called that to this day. She moved to Johnson City in 1959, where she lived until her passing.

Babe did it all. She was a homemaker and raised three sons: Rick Cobb, Howard Lee Whaley, and Charles Edward Whaley. She also worked in building management at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center until her retirement after 20 years of service. She was a dedicated and faithful member of her church, The Church of God of Prophecy and Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. She was a very faithful servant of the Lord. She was the family matriarch and patriarch, a rock, and she will be deeply missed, especially her prayers, wisdom, and guidance on her children’s and family’s journey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her 13 siblings.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons, Rick (Mary) Cobb, Howard Lee (Jana) Whaley, and Charles Edward Whaley; grandchildren, Heather (Brad) Ruppert, Erica Lee Cobb, Nikki Whaley, Shyane Paul, Walter Whaley, Jessica Whaley, and Sarah Tester; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Creed, Ryker, Kylee, Shyanna, Damien, Camio, Daniel, Lauren, Alexis Rose, Braydon, Bentley, and Jackson; special niece, Laurie (Allen) Kiker; special nephew, Gary Blaine (Gail) Lyles; and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Babe’s family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral will immediately follow, at 7:00 p.m., under the direction of Pastor Doyle Passmore. The graveside service will follow on Monday, March 17, at 10:00 a.m. at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Those attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Whaley family. (423) 282-1521