Sharon Whaley

1945 - 2018

Whaley, Sharon
1945 - 2018
Sharon Miller Whaley, age 73, of Rockville and Tilghman Island, MD, died May 16, 2018 after a spirited seven-year fight against Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She was born April 2, 1945, in Columbus, OH, daughter of the late David and Alma (High) Miller. A devoted and loving wife, mother, mimi, sister, and aunt, she will be dearly missed by her husband of 51 years, Richard James Whaley; children, U.S.N. Captain Scott Richard Whaley (Jenny) of Jacksonville, FL, Molly Whaley Smith (James) of Rockville, MD, and Kathryn Ann Whaley of West Orange, NJ; grandchildren Andrew Landis, Madison Smith, Theodore Smith, and Braxton Whaley; sister Carol Warren, brother David (Joyce) Miller, and sister-in-law Flora Whaley; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Cosma Whaley, father-in-law Floyd Whaley, Grandma Terry Whaley, and brother-in-laws William Warren and Ronald Whaley. With the love of her life, Sharon graduated from Linden-McKinley High School in 1963. She received her Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University in 1967. A resident of Upper Arlington, OH for 45 years, Sharon was an Intervention Specialist for the Upper Arlington School District for 30 years, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year and managed the annual Jones/Hastings Middle School Washington, D.C. trip for several years. In honor of Sharon's dedication to teaching, every year an aspiring teacher receives a four-year scholarship in Sharon's name. A staunch advocate for children, Sharon served nine years on the board of The Childhood League's Center; was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, and volunteered decades with The Buckeye Ranch, Bargain Box and The Junior League. An active member of Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square, she served as a vestry member. Upon retiring, Sharon relocated to Rockville, MD, where she was a resident and member of Manor Country Club with Rich. An avid traveler, Sharon enjoyed frequent travels, experiencing new corners throughout the world, visiting family (domestically and internationally), cheering-on the Buckeyes, volunteering, and, when ready to relax, she called Tilghman Island on the Chesapeake Bay "home." Her 'happy place' was being surrounded by family, friends, and her Labrador while playing board games, gardening, swinging in a hammock, and enjoying a steak and crab meal. Having embraced life to the fullest, Sharon's zest and compassion for others will be missed by all. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 2, 2018 at Trinity Episcopal Church on Capitol Square, 125 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately thereafter. The daughter of florists, flowers are kindly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Inova Schar Cancer Institute Trinity Mission Fund: Inova Schar Cancer Institute Foundation, Attn: Amy Richards, 8411 Pennell Street, Fairfax, VA 22031. Please indicate "Trinity Mission, in memory of Sharon Whaley." Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences to Sharon's family.