Carolyn Faye (Fitzpatrick) Whaley

No matter who you knew her as, Mom, Mommy, Gran, Granny, Grandma Faye, NaNa, Sis, Auntie Faye Faye, Aunt Faye, Sister Whaley, Ms. Whaley, Faye, Carol, Carolyn or Grandma Whaley on the Block... If you knew her, you knew LOVE... pure Love. Soft spoken, quiet even, always helpful, trustworthy, ready, and willing to serve, pleasant, kind, and giving could all be used to describe Carolyn. If she knew that you were in need, she would surely help, and she never needed to mention it. Everyone was welcome in her home. Many of her friends, family, and friends of her kids lived with her at one time or another. She loved working in her church where she was an usher and did the announcements for over 40 years. Carolyn enjoyed cooking, crocheting, playing cards, casino trips, volunteering, bowling, shopping for jazzy outfits, and spending time with loved ones. Hanging out with and sharing daily inspirational messages with the Golden Girls was one of her favorite things to do. She also loved vacationing and spending time with her special friend, Mike Mitchell. Each year she took great delight in having a yard party for her birthday. She'd say, "I'm blessed with another year, we're celebrating." ...and that we did. The family often laughs about her having surprise birthday parties on her 60th, 70th and 80th birthdays, and being truly surprised each time.

Did we mention that she kept a bag packed for any sort of quick trip and was always willing to go?

Carolyn was the first child born to Annie V. Beleford and Jasper Fitzpatrick, in Van, Arkansas on June 4, 1944. As a child, she lived with her grandparents Josephus Lee and Nannie Fitzpatrick. She was raised with her uncle, Joe Louis, who was much more like a brother. She was educated and graduated from the school system in Arkansas.

Robert "Luther" Whaley asked for her hand in marriage when she was 16. She said, "Yes", and they began a life together. The family built them a home, and they lived there and later moved to Chicago. In the early 1970's, she moved the family to Detroit. She worked multiple jobs before finding her home with the State of Michigan, where she worked for many faithful years before retiring. Enjoying her retirement years was a goal, and she truly accomplished it.

Her parents, sons, Frederick Darnell, Robert Eugene and grandson Sedric went to heaven before her, so that they could welcome her at the gate. Left to cherish her memory, are her son Wayne (Joyce); daughters (Jacqueline), (Lisa), Linda, Yulonda, Urhonda and bonus daughter Tamika; grandchildren Frederick, Terrell, Vonzell, Artrell, Brittasia, Jorrian, Angel, Keith, Kolby, Tomea, and Kiauna; great grandchildren; sisters; and one brother; along with nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

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