Martha Cole “Granny” Whaley was born in the Sugarlands on April 1, 1910. On Sunday, May 27, 2018, Martha went peacefully to her forever home. Martha was the daughter of the late Alexander “Alec” and Mary Sims Cole of the Sugarlands. She was the second youngest of 11 children. Martha was a trail blazing pioneer of the Gatlinburg area and called it home for 108 years. She married Austin Edwin “Dick” Whaley on a sunny Saturday in June of 1931. Dick was the first Mayor of Gatlinburg… Read More » when the town incorporated in 1945. Dick and Martha built and operated the Greystone Hotel in Gatlinburg from 1942 until 1954. They were married for 63 years before Dick passed away in April of 1994. Martha is also known for her famous pies, delicious home cooking, and the Christmas cookies she made each year. She enjoyed spending her time playing Bridge with dear friends and working in her garden. Her love for UT Football and the Atlanta Braves Baseball teams were infectious. Along with her parents, her ten siblings, and her beloved husband, Martha is preceded in death by her son, Robert J. “Bob” Whaley and daughter-in-law, Koleen Emert Whaley of Gatlinburg, TN. Martha is survived by her loving daughter, Robin Whaley Andrews and son-in-law, William “Bill” Andrews of Morristown, TN. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Austin “Scott” Ogle (Brandi) of Sevierville, TN, Kerri Ogle Jones (Matt) of Knoxville, TN, Brooke Andrews Taylor (Brannon) of Knoxville, TN, and Andrea Andrews Kline of Knoxville, TN. Martha loved spending time with her 10 great-grandchildren who feel blessed and lucky to have known her: Kayla “Austin” Jones, Catherine Kline, Sarah Jane Kline, Tucker Cole Jones, Andrew “Andy” Kline, Lainey Ogle, Landyn Ogle, Reece Taylor, Rylee Taylor, and Will Taylor. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at The Heritage Center of Morristown who gave Martha the best care over the previous six months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg, 111 Oglewood Lane, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg where Martha was the oldest living member on Thursday, May 31, 2018. The family will receive friends from 4-5:30 PM Thursday followed by the funeral service at 5:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg. There will be a private family burial following the service at Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens in Pigeon Forge, TN. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Martha Cole Whaley 2018. Atchley Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Sevierville, state: Tennessee