Perrie Lee Whalen

Perrie Lee Little Whalen went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on the 28th day of October 2025. She was born on October 15, 1947, in Tucumcari, New Mexico to E.M. “Red” Little and Eva Bea Little. 

The family moved to Midland, Texas where she grew up. Perrie graduated from Midland High School and then attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri. She then transferred to Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and finally transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Education. She later earned a Master of Arts degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.

Her first teaching experience was in Roswell, New Mexico at Sierra Middle School. This was where she met her future husband, Tim Whalen, Jr. Perrie and Tim were married on December 18, 1971, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Roswell, New Mexico. After 2 years of teaching in Roswell, the couple moved to Odessa, Texas and then to Midland, Texas. Perrie’s teaching career included time in Odessa, Midland, and Greenwood. Perrie ended her 40-year career in education as a consultant at the Region 18 Educational Service Center.

Perrie’s focus was for her students to be able to read, write, and think critically. She encouraged them to think outside conventional guidelines and be themselves. Being an avid reader, she also had reading certifications and tutored students who needed help.

Perrie’s brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know her.

Perrie is survived by her husband of almost 54 years, Tim Whalen, Jr., her sister Katie Hobbs and husband Tom of Justin, Texas, and her brother Ed Little and his wife Kay of Roswell, New Mexico.

There will be a graveside memorial service at a later date in Roswell, and a notice will be made public.