Jatana Dean (Smith) Tarlton

Jatana Dean Smith Tarlton, 80, of Concord, passed away peacefully at Five Oaks Manor on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 after a period of declining health.

Jatana was born on April 7, 1943 in Cabarrus County, NC to the late Rev. Henry Mack Smith and Louise Cochran Smith Davis.

Jatana graduated from Odell High School and attended Southeastern College of Beauty Culture in Charlotte. She enjoyed her career as a hair stylist. In her early years, she loved taking trips to the beach. She was a fan of Hallmark movies and enjoyed solving word search puzzles. She was a devout Christian who loved the Lord and she truly loved everybody. She was a faithful member of Wil-Mar Park Baptist Church in Concord.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Lewis Smith and H.M. Smith and a sister, Martha Smith Canup.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 59 years,  Howard “Sonny” Tarlton Jr.; her loving son, Scott Tarlton and his wife Lori who was like a daughter to her; two grandchildren who were “her babies” Brandon Tarlton and Jessica Tarlton.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Whitley’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow and begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Whitley’s Funeral Home with Pastor David Wilson officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Five Oaks and Hospice for their excellent care that Jatana received.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Ln., Kannapolis, NC 28081.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.