Good Morning

Meet the Whatley’s and Chandler’s on one “good morning” as they get their daughters, Ellie and Mary Helen, ready for school at the T.K. Martin Center.

Meet the Whatley’s

Mary Frances, the oldest of three girls, is a freshman at Murray State University, where she is enjoying college life as a cheerleader, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and is an Elementary Education major—and is probably giving out free hugs to all her new friends. 

Grace, our middle daughter, basically lives at our local dance studio, where she is either teaching dance or taking a class as a member of the competitive dance team. When she isn’t dancing, you can find her at school enjoying her junior year of high school or hanging with her youth group at church. 

And then there’s Ellie. At the center of it all is our youngest daughter, a 14-year-old special needs girl who is simply living her best life just being Ellie. Ellie attends school at the TK Martin Center on the campus of MSU and is enjoying her 13th year in the special needs program. After school Ellie attends Starkville Pediatric Extended Care, a special needs day care designed for those requiring daily specialized medial needs. 

After hours, you can find us at church or at home where our kitchen doubles as a nightly dance floor, our couch is Ellie’s favorite place for a good snuggle, and laughter is always the best medicine! Between church, work, school, cheer, dance, therapy, doctors appointments, bounce houses, and everyday life, we are a busy, loud, slightly chaotic, fun-loving family who wouldn’t trade this crazy beautiful life for anything in the world!! 

-Laura Whatley

We have three children. Our oldest son, Evan, is 23 and married to Olivia. Our youngest son, Bailey, is 20 and married to Ellie. Mary Helen is our youngest. She just turned 12. Mary Helen was adopted from China at age two.

She has a brain deformity that affects her both cognitively and physically, but she is a shining star that we all adore. Her smile will light up any room and turn any bad day around quickly!

Special needs have become an important part of our lives and something we are very passionate about. We were blessed to connect with The T. K. Martin Center at Mississippi State University not long after her adoption.

Mary Helen has attended school there for the last 8 years. This has allowed us to become a part of a community of amazing people that continually offer encouragement and support to us.

When not at work, school, or therapy, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, serving our community alongside our church congregation, working on our farm, and renovating houses.

We want everyone to know that God creates all people. All people are special for they are made in God's image to honor and glorify Him.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ ‭

Welcome to the family!!

-Kelley Chandler

“Welcome to the circus - pull up a chair and join us, there’s room for everyone!” - The Whatley family

Christopher, the calm to our chaos, works full-time in agriculture. When he’s not in the field, you can find him in the gym, putting up a bounce house around town, or volunteering at church. 

Laura, “stay-at-home” mom, loves caring for her family, volunteering at church as well as various local organizations and charities, and believes every day is worth celebrating! Life is short and can definitely be hard at times, but every day that God gives you breath in your lungs is a day worth celebrating!