Vernell "Susie" (Merritt) Whaley

Vernell “Susie” Merritt Whaley, 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Horace Whaley; grandson, Joshua Foster; parents, Charlie and Zelma Merritt; siblings, Virginia Groves, Melba Scott, Charles Merritt, Otis Merritt, and Edward Merritt.

Susie was an expert at quilting. She loved sharing her hand-crafted quilts with her family. Even though she had many hobbies (gardening, cooking, fishing, & traveling), her greatest joy was the love of her family.

Susie is survived by her daughters, Shirley Whitfield, Patricia Foster, and Denise Batts. Sons, Larry Whaley and Scott Whaley. Grandchildren, Stephen Whaley, Jill Whitfield, Audrey Abernathy, Beth Kennedy, Jake Westbrook, and Courtney Foster.

Great-Grandchildren, Shane Whaley, Wesley Kennedy, Miranda Abernathy, and Miles Abernathy. Sisters, Janice May, Martha Pridgen, and Ellen Rodriguez; brothers, Norwood Merritt and Leslie Merritt.

A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Garner Funeral Home in Kinston, N.C. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon with Johnny Pickett officiating. A graveside service will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, N.C.