Rona Catherine (Jones) Whitley, 79, returned to her heavenly home on December 5, 2015 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Diabetes in Irving, Texas.
Rona was born on February 26, 1936 in St. Martinville, Louisiana to the late Allen and Bernadette Jones.  She married Freddie Whitley in 1957 and remained his life partner until death. Together they raised four children.
Rona is survived by her children Eddy Whitley of Kansas City, MO, Freddy Whitley of Arlington, TX, Dr. Mona Whitley of Grand Prairie, TX, and Gery Whitley of Port Arthur, TX; her granddaughters Aisha Scotto Di Carlo; Chelsea Whitley, Taylor Whitley, and Grace Whitley; her grandsons Charles Mitchell, David Mitchell and Andrew Mitchell; and five of her siblings Wourance Jones, Emily Pierre, Judy Lucas, Peter Jones, and Richard Jones.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Freddie Whitley; two sisters Mary Belle Burns and Anita “Sis” Louviere; one brother Allen Jones, Jr.; and her parents.
Funeral mass service is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2015 at 9:30AM at Sacred Heart – St. Mary Church located at 920 Booker T. Washington Avenue in Port Arthur. Open viewing will occur on day of service at the church beginning at 7:30AM. Rosary prayer will start at 9:00AM.  All are welcome to attend these services and celebrate Rona’s life.  A reception for all will immediately follow in the church social hall. Rona will be laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery with her deceased husband.
The family gratefully appreciates your prayers and condolences.  To honor Rona’s memory and her battle against Alzheimer’s, the family asks you to join them in the fight against this traumatic disease by donating to the Alzeheimer’s Association.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzeheimer’s Association, made in memory of Rona Whitley are encouraged.   Rona Whitley Memorial Website:  http://act.alz.org/goto/
Rona_Whitley_Memorial
All services are arranged by Gabriel Funeral Home of Port Arthur, Texas.