07072026
Alene Grayson Whiddon, lovingly known as “Dink” to all, was born in Joaquin, Texas, on December 10, 1944 to W.H. (“Bidden”) Grayson and Ellen Wicker Grayson. She passed away June 30, 2026 at Nacogdoches Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends.
Dink was a graduate of Joaquin High School. After marrying James, the couple relocated to Houston, Texas for a short period of time. They returned to Joaquin in 1971, where Dink was a homemaker and full time minister as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent many years in her ministry, talking to everyone she met about the Bible’s hope for the future. She was a member of the Joaquin and Center, Texas Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In addition to her ministry and homemaking responsibilities, Dink loved being outdoors among her numerous plants and flowers. She had a remarkable green thumb, and you could show her any flower or tree and she could tell you all about it. Dink also loved spending time with family and friends. She and James hosted hundreds of families and friends over the years, enjoying time playing cards, dancing, and eating the best home cooked meals. From biscuits and cornbread to turkey or chicken dressing, Dink could put on a feast! A family favorite was her pepper steak and homemade egg rolls - on request at all family gatherings!
She is survived by:
Husband of 62 years, James Henry Whiddon
Daughter, Darla Whiddon Christensen and husband Everett
Their daughter Lauren Vargas and husband Twyman
Son, Dayne Whiddon and wife Michele
Son, Darik Whiddon and wife Carolyn
Their son Grayson Whiddon
In-laws, Bobby and Rosalie Whiddon
A host of Nieces and Nephews
She is preceded in death by her parents Bidden and Ellen Grayson, her brother Paul “Buddy” Grayson and his wife Anna Mae, her sister, Betsy Chambliss and husband Benny, her sister, Susan Kawaja and husband Dean, her sisters-in-law Doris Clemmons and husband James, Lou Vasilou, and Jackie Stevens and husband, Edward.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Center, Texas. A reception will follow at the Center Community House (the stone building) in Center, Texas. All are invited to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of Boren Connor Funeral Home in Bullard, TX.
