Kathy Susan Thompson Whaley

Kathy Susan Thompson Whaley passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 68 in Wilson, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy found beauty in everyday moments. She loved gardening in her yard, preserving and gifting homemade jam and pickles each year, and spending time with her family and friends. She had a lifelong passion for music and singing, regularly performing at open mic nights and local venues, and never hesitated to join in harmony with friends and strangers alike. Professionally, Kathy spent her career supporting preschool special education programs and early intervention for children across the country. Her life’s work focused on ensuring children with special needs could learn and grow alongside their peers—a mission that reflected her deep belief in inclusion, compassion, and equity. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Whaley and husband, Zach Daly of Denver, Colorado; her brother, Russell Thompson of Bailey, and Mark Thompson and wife, Wanda of Knightdale; her sister, Ellen T. Jones Gray and husband, Bowie Gray of Bailey; her sister-in-law, Helen Crane and husband, George of Raleigh; her dear friend, Charlley Ward; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who cherished her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, James A. Thompson and Norma Thompson, and other beloved relatives.

She was a lifelong member of Hornes Methodist Church. Kathy’s light lives on in the countless lives she touched—with music, laughter, kindness, and the fierce love of a mother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to, Hornes Church Methodist Women, 145 W Hornes Church Road, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 1924 Capitol Boulevard, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604 (https://foodbankcenc.org).

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, “when the daffodils bloom”. Details will be shared with family and friends at a later date.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.