Lou Burch Whaley

Lou Burch Whaley, age 99, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. She was born on November 21, 1926, and lived a long, faithful, and well-loved life marked by devotion to her family, her church, and the community she served.

Lou was born and raised in Hartford and lived there her whole life before making Dothan her home for the last 74 years. She graduated from Geneva County High School and later completed her studies at Riley’s Business College. Her life reflected the values of hard work, humility, and steadfast care for others, and those who knew her will remember her as a woman of quiet strength and deep kindness.

For 31 years, Lou worked as a registrar for the Boy Scouts of America, where she was known for her dedication, reliability, and warm spirit. She took pride in her work and carried out her responsibilities with excellence. Her long career was a meaningful part of her life, and she formed many lasting connections through the years she spent serving in that role.

Lou was also a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member and served in the nursery. Her church family was an important part of her life, and her faith guided her through each season. She found comfort and purpose in reading her Bible every day, and her commitment to the Lord was evident in the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.

Family was the center of Lou’s world. She loved her boys dearly and treasured every opportunity to be around her family and friends. She enjoyed simple pleasures and was happiest in the familiar comfort of home. She was a homebody at heart and found joy in keeping her yards and flower beds, working word searches, and spending quiet time in her own peaceful routines. Her life was enriched by the love she gave so freely and the love she received in return.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen Whaley; her sisters, Mary Tindell and her husband Lex, and Sarah Christell Schneider and her husband Joe; and her brother, Charles Burch and his wife Mary.

Lou is survived by her sons, Kenneth Whaley (Terry) of Kinsey, and Rodney Whaley (Audrey) of Ashford. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Kendra Clayton (Ron) of Seffner, Florida, Kristen Whitman (Shane) of Newton, Alabama, Caleb Whaley (Yesia) of Winder, Georgia, Joshua Whaley of Ashford, Alabama, Katie Thompson (Jason) of Headland, Alabama, Sissy Williamson (Donnie) of Abbeville, Alabama, and Chris Bell (Wanda) of Webb, Alabama. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Kasey, Hunter, Shayleigh, Gavin, Wyatt, Hattie, Liberty, Lucian, and Cillian, as well as her two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Martha Boyette (Bill); and several nieces and nephews who will hold her memory close to their hearts.

Lou was lovingly cared for by Nell Johnson, Jennifer Fleming, and Nina Kinsey, whose kindness and support were appreciated by her family. Their compassion was a blessing in her later years, and the family is grateful for the care they provided.

Lou Burch Whaley will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She lived a life of faith, service, and love, and she leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory. Her gentle presence, steadfast devotion, and loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of Lou’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home with Brother Mike Griggs and Randy Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00am-11:00am at the funeral home. Lou will be laid to rest in Gardens of Memory.

Serving as pallbearers will be Shane Whitman, Wyatt Whitman, Gavin Thompson, Jason Thompson, Caleb Whaley and Hunter Whaley.