Born: Oct. 10, 1959

Died: Feb. 6, 2013

Annette Whitley, 53, of Michigan Street in Niles, Mich., died on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013 at her home, unexpectedly but of natural causes.

She was born on Oct. 10, 1959 in Madison Heights, Mich., to Elzie and Marcella Virginia (Duff) Whitley. She attended Dondero High School in Royal Oak, Michigan, and has lived in Niles since 2007, coming from Madison Heights.

As a child, Annette attended the Salvation Army Citadel in Royal Oak, and always expressed her faith in Jesus Christ. She was always interested in angels and had a collection of angels.  She enjoyed the fellowship of her neighborhood on Michigan Street, and participated in community events in Niles. She also enjoyed attending movies, especially animated features.

She was previously married to Paul Craft.

Surviving family includes her long-time companion, Mike Natale; her children, Tammy (& Steve) Marshall of Rochester Hills, Mich.; and Jennifer Whitley, Ashley Whitley, Lisa Whitley, Michael Whitley, Samantha Whitley, Angelique Whitley, and Matthew Natale; grandchildren, including Autumn Marshall, Courtney Craft, and Mariah Craft; and Annette’s siblings, Sue (& Carmel) Petrey of Warren, Mich., Linda (& Ray) Hinson of Troy, Mich., Joey (& Gayle) Whitley of Niles, Betty (& Arthur) Washington of Shelby Township, Mich., Hester (& Randy) Clark of Hazel Park, Mich., and Barbara (& John Baxter) Galloway of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Annette Whitley will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home with Major Tracey Walters of the Salvation Army of Niles officiating.  The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

www.halbritterfunerals.com