Suzanne Whayne Whaley

Suzanne Whayne Whaley died May 15 at age 102, surrounded by her devoted family, friends, and caregivers. Born on March 20, 1922, she was the daughter of Roy C. Whayne, Sr., and Elizabeth ("Bessie") C. Whayne. She was the widow of William E Whaley, Jr. Her son, William E. Whaley III; her brother, Roy C. Whayne, Jr., and sister, Elizabeth (Libby) C. Hardwick, also predeceased her.Survivors include her daughters, Susie Whaley and Caroline Whaley Belden (Lorne); granddaughter, Beth Ball (Jim); step-grandchildren, Jennifer Carpenter (Chad) and Lorne Belden, III (Jennifer), and step-great-grandchildren, Graham Carpenter, Theo Belden and Solomon Belden.In her long life, Sue was a woman of sincere faith. After the tragic loss of her son in the Vietnam War, she deepened her relationship with Christ, which sustained her; her hallmark was loving others as result of her faith. Weekly worship was among her greatest joys, and she did so at Calvin Presbyterian Church, Second Presbyterian Church and, most recently, Throne of Grace Community Church.Hers was an idyllic childhood in Anchorage and at the family home in Naples, Fla. She attended Hollins College and in 1942 married William E. Whaley, Jr., then a naval officer who served overseas during World War II. Following the war, they settled in Louisville, where they raised their three children.In addition to raising her children, Mrs. Whaley was involved in many organizations that focused on at-risk children, the environment, and the needs of others. Her faith was seamlessly blended with philanthropy. She was incredibly generous to the people and organizations she loved. She was a very effective elder at Calvin Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Louisville Country Club, the River Valley Club. When she turned 100, the Mayor and City Council of Naples proclaimed March 20 to be "Sue Whaley Day," perpetually.With her advancing years, she gracefully accepted physical challenges such as her loss of sight. She handled adversity with remarkable poise and strength, focusing her energy on the needs of others. Her core nature was her concern for others above herself. Mrs. Whaley was so grateful to her caregivers ("Team Sue") who she called "Angels." She was also attended by her faithful dog, Teddie.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Road, with private burial at Cave Hill Cemetery.Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Pearson's, 149 Breckinridge Lane.Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Throne of Grace Community Church, 2853 Cleveland Blvd., Louisville 40206; River Fields, Inc., 1201 Story Ave., Louisville 40206; The Audubon Society of Southwest Florida, P.O. Box 61041, Fort Myers, Fla. 33906-1041; or Golden Retriever Rescue and Needy Dogs (GRRAND), 7924 Vine Crest, Ave., Lyndon, Ky. 40222.Arrangements under the direction of Pearson's, "Where Louisville Goes to Remember."Read Obituary