Lauretta Simmons Whaley

Lauretta Simmons Whaley, 83, of Morganton, formerly of Newport, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord, on Monday, January 19, 2026, at The Berkeley in Morganton.

A funeral service to honor Lauretta’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 23 at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Melanie Whaley. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Lauretta will be laid to rest privately at Amariah Garner Cemetery.

Born on May 10, 1942, Lauretta was the beloved wife of the late Bobby Whaley and daughter of Henry Harold Simmons and Julia Kelly Simmons, who preceded her in death.

Lauretta’s greatest joy was her family—and not just the one she was born into, but every person who crossed her path. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like family, whether lifelong friends or complete strangers. Her door was always open, her kitchen always stocked, and no one ever left her presence without feeling welcomed, fed, and loved.

She was a caring mother to her son, Wayne Whaley (Melanie), and her daughter, Kelly Whaley (Allard), and a proud grandmother to Christopher and Stephanie Whaley, who brought immense happiness to her life. Lauretta is also remembered by her siblings, Larry Simmons, Rachel Wolf, Rita Mottern, Jessie Harrington, and Ann Ray, along with many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and hospitality.

In addition to her husband and parents, Lauretta was preceded in death by her brothers, Horace Simmons, Neal Simmons, Dick Simmons, Gaston Simmons, William (Billy) Simmons, and her sister, Rose Raines.

Lauretta will be remembered for her open heart, her generous spirit, and the way she made everyone feel at home She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and quiet strength.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.ALZ.org) or to a local charity of the donor’s choosing, in her memory. You can also contribute through her tribute page: https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/waynewhaley/in-memory-of-lauretta-s-whaley

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.