Margaret "Dean" (Brents) Whatley was born in Conway County on April 10, 1938 to William "Bill" Brents Sr. and Dovie (Huffman) Brents. Dean passed away at her home in Plumerville with her family surrounding her on December 30, 2020 at the age of 82.

Dean was of the Freewill Baptist Faith and was a member of Morrilton First Freewill Baptist Church. She was a resident of Plumerville for over 30 years. Dean worked for 20 plus years and retired from Little Rock Western Railroad as clerk. Dean was musically gifted and could play just about anything she picked up; piano, guitar or an accordion you name it she could pretty much play it.

Dean is preceded in death by her parents; son; Larry Hopkins, Sr.; great- granddaughter: Tonya Hopkins; and great-grandsons: Aaron, Alex, and Anthony Turley.

Dean is survived by brother: Bill Brents and wife Sharon of Conway, Arkansas; sister: Louise Holmes of Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter in law: Kathy Hopkins of Plumerville; grandchildren: Amanda Hopkins of Greenbrier, Amber Parker and husband Tommy of Bowling Green, Kentucky; grandson and special caregiver: Larry Hopkins, Jr.; great-grandchildren: Damion Hopkins, Gauge Parker, and Logan Messer; along with a host of many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, 11:00 AM, January 05, 2021 at the Bob Neal and Sons Chapel in Morrilton, with visitation being held 1 hour prior to services. Interment will be held Elmwood Cemetery following services.

Service and arrangements are by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home #5 Bruce St. Morrilton, AR 72110, 501-354-1638.  www.bobnealandsons.com