Annette Gatlin

Martha “Annette” Gatlin, 83, a beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on May 25, 2021, with her beloved daughter at her side.  Annette was born on August 26, 1937 to the late Dudley William and Lucy Derrick White in Delano, Tennessee.

Throughout life, Annette always enjoyed being around her friends and most importantly her family.  She attended Patty Church of Christ and was one of the most successful basketball players to graduate from Polk County High School.  A faithful and dedicated Deputy Register of Deeds with the Polk County Government, Annette enjoyed the camaraderie with all the residents in the county to which she loved most.  In addition to her years at the courthouse, she also worked with the Polk County Road Department and Polk County Election Commission.  She had a great love for life and cherished every moment as if it were her last but mostly enjoyed being a faithful and dedicated mother to her daughter.  A beloved friend to many, her love stretched far and beyond for everyone she knew and will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, Lucy Alice and Dudley William White, Annette was also preceded in death by her former husband and father of her daughter, Reginal Wayne Gatlin; siblings: Sybil Morgan, Erma Dixon, Zida Mae Lea and Dudley “Snook” White, Jr; nephew, David Lea.

Left to cherish her memory, a beloved daughter, Karen Gatlin; loving brother, W.K. “Toddy” (Shirley) White; nieces and nephews: Mark (Dawn) Dixon, Steve Morgan, Lisa (John) Beard, and Jennifer (Charlie) Qualls.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend Mason Holliday officiating.

Her family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.