Sue P Whatley

Sue Privett Parrent Whatley, a long-time resident of Opelika, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, while at Compassus Bethany House.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at First Methodist Church of Opelika.  Visitation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Sue was born in Selma, Alabama on October 28, 1940, to Hugh Mallory and Madge Clarkson Privett and grew up alongside two beloved brothers, Hugh Mallory Privett, Jr. and William (Bill) Bahen Privett.   She attended school in Selma where she graduated from Parrish High School; she then began college at Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.   Sue transferred to the University of Alabama, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, made lifelong friends, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.  In 1963 she married Walter Alexander Parrent and they settled in Opelika and raised a family of four girls.  She was a devoted wife to Walter, a loving mother to Clarkson, Katy, Elizabeth and Drew.  Sue was a faithful friend, involved in various church and community activities, and known for her hospitality and historic home.  She was a special “Nana” to her 10 grandchildren and will be remembered for her encouraging words and joyful spirit.

After losing her husband of almost 43 years, Walter, to cancer in 2006, Sue married William (Bill) B. Whatley.  The two were married for three years until his death in 2010. 

Sue was also preceded in death by her parents, Mallory and Madge Privett, and her brother, Mallory Privett.  Sue is survived by her daughters, Clarkson Bowling (Kelly), Katy Leonard (James), Elizabeth Copous (Dale) and Drew Speakman (Erik); her brother, Bill Privett  (Pam); her precious grandchildren, Kathleen Leonard, Olivia Leonard Freeman (Corey), Bryce Speakman, Russell Copous, Banks Leonard, Sara Kate Speakman, Tucker Bowling, Hollins Speakman, Griffin Speakman, and Shepherd Speakman; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

For those who would like to make a memorial contribution the family suggests:  Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama (www.efofea.org); First Methodist Opelika (702 Avenue A, Opelika); Compassus Bethany House (1171 Gatewood Dr. Bldg 100, Auburn); or Walter A. Parrent Endowed Scholarship at The University of Alabama (Culverhouse College of Business, culverhouse.ua.edu)