Kari Marann Whitley

Kari Marann Whitley, 43, of Gulfport, Mississippi, and formerly of Belton, Texas entered into an eternity in Heaven on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at age 19, she endured multiple surgeries, trials, chemotherapy, and radiation while also earning a degree in Journalism at Texas A&M University. She pursued a career in Public Relations with the VA Hospital in Temple, Texas and later transferred to the VA in Gulfport; where, she was medically retired in 2013. Those who knew her remember her for her unabashed love for life, candid sense of humor, and an eclectic style that was uniquely hers.

She is preceded in death by her father, William T. Whitley, Jr. Kari Marann is survived by her parents Timothy and Shirley Collins of Belton; three brothers Mark Whitley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chad Collins and wife Scooter of Temple, William Whitley and wife Amber of Frost; 6 sisters Ovata Bell and husband Tim of Waco, Louise Whitley of Tulsa, Lisa Lee Tippett and husband Matt of Roswell, Georgia, Elizabeth Moody and husband James of Amarillo, Elissa Goodin and husband Chance of Salado, and Christie Collins of Temple. She was loved and adored by her nieces and nephews: Matthew, Timothy, James William, Hannah, Andrew, Michael, Sam, Daniel, Julia, James Jason, Madison, Morgan, Elizabeth Rose, Gabe, Tripp, Asa, Levi, Cameron, and Magnolia. She is also survived by many extended family members, prayer warriors, and friends that supported her throughout her life’s journey.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10, at Dossman Funeral Home from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A funeral service for Kari Marann will be held at First Baptist Church Belton at 506 N. Main, Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.