Doris Bryan Whaley of Seaford passed away on June 17, 2026 at Seaford Genesis, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Nov. 9, 1938 in Seaford to the late Samuel and Dorothy Bryan. Doris was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She had a giving heart and a love for the Lord that showed in all she did. Her zest for life and energetic spirit allowed her to finish her dream of earning her high school diploma at the age of 60. During graduation, she was honored as the oldest individual to earn this special degree.
After graduation, she attended Ray Chamberlain’s Bible College and became a Lay Leader. Doris did all of these accomplishments while owning and operating her successful beauty shop. She became the Associate Pastor with Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and then Gumboro United Methodist Church, serving in all capacities from July 1, 2008, until July 31, 2015. After her retirement, she converted her beauty shop into a chapel where they held weekly Bible studies.
Her family will miss her delicious cooking and the unselfish love she always dedicated to them. Doris is survived by her sons, William D. Whaley and Dennis R. Whaley; daughter, Cindy W. Pepper (Allen); sisters, Pat Keebler (Gus), Phyllis Romer, Linda Eskridge (Glen); four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren also survive her. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William L. Whaley; brother, Barney Bryan; sisters, Janie Kettle, Joann Hitchens, and Peggy Mills-Irvins.
A service was held on Tuesday, June 23, at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel, Reverend Dean Perdue officiated. Interment followed in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.