Charlene Ann Whaley, affectionately known as “Sug,” beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026. Born on Dec. 22, 1936, in Laurel, she was the daughter of the late Charles Devlin and Winnie Short Cooper.
Sug graduated from Laurel High School with the class of 1955, where she distinguished herself as an athlete, playing basketball, softball, and field hockey along with leading the band as a very flexible majorette. Throughout her life, Sug remained an active and beloved member of her community. After high school, she enjoyed refereeing high school field hockey and was known as a welcoming host. Her home became a cherished gathering place for everyone and anyone, anytime.Her passion for family and community extended into her career as a school bus driver and substitute teacher, but her most fulfilling role was that of a homemaker and caretaker for her family.
Sug took great joy in her hobbies, including traveling with her late husband Alan, having visited all but three states in the U.S., camping, reading, and crafting. She was skilled in knitting, crocheting, and sewing, leaving behind handmade gowns, sweaters, potholders, and countless memorable items for her loved ones. Sug was active in her community and had a fondness for Laurel’s history. She enjoyed canning and preserving fruits and vegetables, making jellies, sauces, pickles, and her famous pepper relish, which were always enjoyed by family and friends. Additionally, she cherished the time spent playing cards with her card group and dining out with her “lunch bunch.”
Sug is survived by her loving daughters, Phyllis Toomey and husband Ray, and Nancy Hamilton; son, Eddie Whaley and wife, Tracy; her grandsons, Dustin Hamilton and wife, Verity, and Daniel Hamilton and wife, Megan; her great-grandchildren, Brady, Zoey, Chase, Grace, and Luke Hamilton; brothers-in-law and their wives; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and many cherished friends who will miss her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 67 years, Alan R. Whaley.
A memorial service for Sug was on April 12 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Interment was private. Gone but never forgotten, Sug will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Whaley to the Laurel Alumni Association, P.O. Box 382, Laurel, DE 19956.