Bernice H Whaley

Bernice H. Whaley, age 98 of Concord, DE passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter, Patty Rayne on October 18th, 2025. She was born in Seaford, DE on May 24th, 1927.

As a young girl you could find Bernice helping on her parents’ farm. She graduated from Seaford High School as valedictorian of her class. She went on to marry James Whaley at age 18. Bernice was a devoted Navy wife of Jim’s 20-year service. She raised their first 2 children (Janice and Kenny) while living in different states he was stationed or awaiting his return from sea. They then moved back to Seaford which they made their permanent home.

Bernice had a love for teaching children. She was a school bus driver for several years and was involved with the church youth group. She went on to have their third child (Patty). Bernice enjoyed Sundays waterskiing on the Nanticoke River with her family, riding horses and her motorcycle. She was also a proud member of the Broadcreek Grange for 80 + years.

Later in life they enjoyed traveling the country in their motorhome visiting extended family and Navy friends. She loved and adored quality time with her grand kids and great grandkids.

She is predeceased by her parents, Herman & Nellie Ockels, brothers Edward, William and Herman Ockels of Seaford and Rueben Ockels of Milton, and sister Florence Thomas of Seaford.

She is survived by son Kenneth Whaley (Tina) of Snow Hill, MD and daughters Janice Arney (Kenny) of Oakland, MD, and Patricia Rayne (Daniel) of Seaford, DE. She has eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM with a public viewing from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Cranston Funeral Home, 300 N Shipley Street, Seaford, DE.  Following the service, burial will take place in Blades Cemetery.

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