Diana Louise Whiteley

Diana Louise Whiteley was born at home on Feb. 12, 1944, to her loving parents, Otto Ceberon and Emma Dorothy (Lorenz) Whiteley.

The fourth of five children, Diana was raised on the family farm in the close-knit Minerva community.

In 1962, she graduated from Rockdale High School and married Robert D. Jenkins at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where they were both members.

To this union, three children were born, Robert Alan, Dyan Nichol and Molly Ruth. Her children were her greatest blessing and she wanted nothing more than to have them near her.

Diana loved all things related to the home and she was known for the impeccable cooking skills, which she learned from her German mother.

She was an avid reader who enjoyed poetry, classic literature and poring over cookbooks from her extensive collection.

In July 1982, she married Dr. J.F. Sousares and moved to College Station.

Diana pursued a 20-year career with Texas A&M University, retiring in 2009 as an administrative assistant in the office of the provost.

She returned to Rockdale for the last 10 years of her life, where she enjoyed Sunday lunches with family, creating beautiful embroidery projects, playing the piano and thrifting with her sister.

She died peacefully at home on Dec. 27, 2024.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Jimmy, and her brother Michael Scott Whiteley.

She is survived by her children, son Bobby Jenkins and wife Mandy, daughters Dyan Shelander and husband Luther, and Molly Graham, all of Rockdale; her grandchildren, Brandon Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins, and Claire Jenkins, John Shelander and wife Angela, and Nesha Shelander; as well as her great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Jenkins and Noah Shelander.

She also leaves her sister, Patricia McKee of Rockdale, and brothers Clifford Whiteley and wife Diane of Academy, Calvin Whiteley and wife Dianne of Milano, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation took place at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30.

Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 3739 FM 1712 in Rockdale, with burial following at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Robinson, Daniel Robinson, Shay Robinson, Larry Whiteley, Jeff Whiteley, Jason Jenkins, Brandon Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins and Stanley Bone.

Memorial gifts may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she was an active member.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.