Mary Frances Whitley

Seminole resident, Mary Frances Whitley (Barnes) passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Seminole at the age of 80.

Mary, the daughter of Homer and Martha Frances (Ellis) Barnes, was born on September 20, 1944 in Chickasha, OK. She attended and graduated from Chickasha High School in 1962 where she also played tennis. Mary met the love of her life, Lyndon Whitley, shortly after high school. They married on June 2, 1964 at the First United Methodist Church in Chickasha. Lynn and Mary recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. After briefly living in Oklahoma City, Mary and Lynn returned to Chickasha. Meri Michele was born March of 1965 and Lyndon Keith Jr. was born August of 1976. After moving from Chickasha to Lawton to Duncan, Mary worked in Accounts Payable for Halliburton for many years. The family finally settled in Seminole in 1978 when they purchased the car dealership formerly called Bostick Whitley Motors. After taking a few years to be a stay-at-home mom, Mary returned to Halliburton in Seminole where she worked for another eleven years. An opening at the Seminole State College Library provided a career change that she loved. When Mary retired from Seminole Sate College in 2011, she finally got the time to enjoy herself and her love of bridge. A very fine bridge player, she was a member of the American Contract Bridge League in which she held the rank of Regional Master. Although legally blind, Mary was quite skilled at keeping track of what cards had been played. All was right with the world when she got to play two, or hopefully, three times each week. She loved her bridge family and cared about each of their lives beyond the bridge table. Mary always enjoyed watching softball and baseball, following her children all over the state to tournaments. She was a passionate fan of the University of Oklahoma Women’s Softball team over the years. She listened intently and could tell you all about who was pitching or batting and if that was or was not a good coaching move.

Mary was member of the Highway Baptist Church of Seminole where she also enjoyed the Ladies Monday night Bible study group.

Above all Mary loved her family more than anything in the world. If they were involved in anything Mary was their most spirited fan. She did not want to miss anything.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Lynn Whitley of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Tommy Sneed of Seminole; son, Lyn Whitley of McAlester; the absolute light of her heart, grandson Kasen Whitley of Tahlequah, OK and many other family and friends.

Those serving as casket bearers will be Lyn Whitley, Kasen Whitley, Daylan Saxon, Keith Speer, Ryan Smith and Kolton White.

Viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 and from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma. Pastor Carl Whitfield will be officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.