Magline E. Whitley

On Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 69 years, Magline Evon Whitley peacefully went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with a sudden illness. She was born September 5, 1956, in Waco, Texas, to James and Rosezena DeGrate.

In 1971, Magline moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where she attended Central Jr. High School and was a graduate of Saginaw High School. She continued her education at Great Lakes Community College where she obtained an Associate of Business Administration degree.

Magline met the love of her life, Bobby Whitley, at an early age. Their teenage love grew into a lifelong commitment when they were united in holy matrimony on November 12, 1977. They shared 48 beautiful years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and cherished moments. Magline enjoyed spending time watching her favorite television shows, especially game shows such as Family Feud and The Wall. She loved music and could often be seen stepping to the sounds of her favorite blues artist, King George.

Magline, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, successful entrepreneur, and matriarch of our family, made an incredible impact on the lives of many. Her love knew no limits. Anyone who knew her experienced genuine kindness and tender care. She lived her life with energy, grace, and dedication in all that she did. Known for her stylish fashion sense and her immaculate home, she was truly the “Queen of Clean.” Her hands were blessed in everything she did; her loving touch made everything better.

Twenty-eight years ago, Magline was introduced to the foster care profession by Lester and Dorothy Whitley. Through her hard work, dedication, organization, and an abundance of love, she successfully established, incorporated, and managed the Magline Whitley Foster Care Home. She devoted her life to caring for others, treating every resident as extended family, often lovingly referring to them as her “babies.”

She leaves to cherish loving memories, her husband, Bobby Whitley. Through their beautiful union, she leaves her children: Dulani DeGrate, Chotsani ( Davey) Brinkley, and Angela Whitley (Henry Dillard); ten beloved grandchildren: Ebony (Emanuel) Donald, Jaymes DeGrate-Collins, D’Seantionna Jones, Daniel Whitley-Darby Jr., Sean Jones Jr., Danielle Whitley-Darby, Lisa Brinkley, Delano DeGrate Daniel DeGrate, and Makayla Copeland; nine treasured great-grandchildren: Jimyia, Elisa, Elijah, Ethan, De’Aurie, Jaymie, Chozyn, Alana, and Daniel III. She is also survived by one brother, Clarence (Betty) DeGrate; four brothers-in-law, Willie Jr. (Carrie) Whitley, Robert Bates, John Frank Whitley, and Lester Whitley; one sister-in-law, Gloria Shaw; her beloved goddaughters, Chariclea Tullos and Markayla Washington; a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends; her extended foster care family whom she loved deeply, and her cherished pet Yorkie, Prince.

Magline was preceded in death by her parents, James and Rosezena DeGrate; her father and mother-in-law, Willie and Eliza Whitley, grandson, Dulani DeGrate, Jr,; godmother, Jeanette Washington; siblings: Dorothy Head, Mary Basey, James DeGrate Jr., Rose DeGrate, and Linda Whitley; sisters-in-law: Sponcia Bates, Mary Bates, Ludell Taylor, Sandra Whitley, Sadie Whitley, Dorothy Whitley, and Ann DeGrate; brothers-in-law: Emmit Whitley, C.J. Whitley, Henry Whitley, Charlie Whitley, James Shaw, Wilfred Head, and Tim Basey.

Magline Whitley will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Because of the dedication with which she lived her life and the blueprint she leaves behind for her family and community, her legacy will continue to live on. Her love, strength and impact will forever be felt in the hearts of those she touched.

The family would like to give special thanks to Reverend Dr. Willie R. Hill Jr., and Mt. Nebo Baptist Church family, our many friends, neighbors, community members, and everyone who offered prayer, condolences, and all expressions of sympathy during Magline’s illness and passing.