Leroy Whaley

Elder Dr. LeRoy Whaley was born June 16, 1936, in Russellville, SC, to the late Israel and Mattie Whaley. He was one of seven children. LeRoy enjoyed learning. He graduated from Bond Wilson High School and immediately joined the U.S. Army. He remained in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class for 3 years. During this time, he married, Louisa Jenkins and moved to Trenton, NJ. From that union had one child, Raecine Denise Whaley-Wilson. 

LeRoy served faithfully as Trustee, Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon at Solid Rock First Born Church of the Living God, under the leadership of Elder Lewis Collier. He later met and married the love of his life Julia Hodnett-Whaley. He took Julia as his wife on November 19, 1966. They had two beautiful children Keith and Karen Whaley. 

LeRoy continued his education and received a Master of Education in 1975 from Trenton State College (College of NJ). He worked at the New Jersey Department of Corrections Institute for Boys where he worked as a Psychiatric Technician. He quickly worked through the ranks, and became Captain, at Jamesburg Correctional Facility where he retired. LeRoy would continue his education at United Christian College where he earned his Master of Theology, and then immediately finished his Doctorate in Theology. Believing in giving back to others he became an instructor at the College to educate other ministers that were ready and eager to learn. 

Dr. LeRoy Whaley served as an Elder at Grace Cathedral under the leadership of Bishop Jerome S. Wilcox, who was not just his pastor but his friend. Elder Whaley was the current president of the elder and minister board and has served as a Sunday school teacher and conducted Bible study. He was a part of the Thursday night intercessory prayer team. He loved God, his family, and all those that he encountered. 

He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Julia Hodnett-Whaley, his mother and father Mattie and Israel Whaley, his siblings, Annie Whaley, Joseph Whaley, Chris Whaley, Frank Whaley. 

He is survived by his daughter Raecine Denise Whaley-Wilson (Anthony) of Killeen Texas, son Keith Whaley (Hollie) of Willingboro New Jersey, daughter Karen Whaley, of Ewing, New Jersey. Grandchildren Aisha Watkins, Rashad Watkins, Deshon Wilson, Lamar K. Wilson, Nakita Wilson, Matthew Wilson, Jumari Fernandez, Christian Whaley, Nia Whaley, Ezrah Julian, and 8 great grandchildren. His sister, Naomi Whaley, and brother Norman Whaley several godchildren, spiritual children and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service will be 1pm Friday, September 23, 2022 at Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries Church, 1217 Rev. S. Howard Woodson Jr. Way, Trenton, NJ 08618 . Calling hour will be 12pm until the time of service. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home.​

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