Did you sense something special happening that morning - Monday, August 10, 2026, at 9:20am? You may have noticed a brisk, fleeting breeze through your heart, along with a powerful feeling of joy and sorrow suddenly overwhelming your senses! It was Bernie Whalley soaring to heaven to meet his Savior and be reunited with his loving wife, Deane. It was the one last blessing Bernie had patiently anticipated for years. He often shared with groups stories of feeling blessed all his life - always counting the blessings instead of sorrows and sharing himself with others through word and deed. All while awaiting his final blessing… and finally, on that beautiful Carolina blue morning, surrounded by his loving daughters, that last and best blessing was achieved – wings included! Praise God!

Born January 17, 1932 in Chicago, IL, Bernie was born Bernhardt Emil Schoenberger to German immigrant parents (Else and Emil, though Emil died tragically just before his birth), and had two older siblings (Anna Marie and Billy). Else became ill and passed away within a year or so of his birth, thus the siblings were split apart with the two youngest being placed in an orphanage. Bernie was blessed to be adopted by George and Madolyn Whalley of Detroit, MI and was raised as an only child who lived his childhood with gusto and a massive sense of adventure! How many kids can say they got to swim up under Henry Ford’s boat house, climb up on his boat and pretend he was a sea captain exploring the world on that fine watercraft! Or, the time he and a friend walked up to an international boat building company with their collective change and a set of boat plans to build? Yes, they actually met with the very patient CEO and shared blueprints for their dream vessel! Bernie was truly blessed with a childhood filled with excitement and fulfillment.

In 1949, Bernie joined the US Marines and was lucky enough to be stationed at Camp LeJeune. He was blessed with the opportunity to meet the prettiest redhead he had ever seen, Deane Mitchell, at a church reception for the military, and they married in June 1952. After departing the military, and with the first of four daughters at his knee, Bernie joined Sears Roebuck and Company, where he proudly worked and advanced through the ranks during a 34-year career. He and Deane moved frequently through these professional achievements with four daughters in tow!

After working with Sears in Anderson, SC, Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC, in 1987, Bernie and Deane made their permanent move to Emerald Isle for retirement - though retirement was never truly in their plans. They both became active at Swansboro United Methodist Church; Deane worked at the Welcome Center; and Bernie managed operations at Worthy Is The Lamb, an outdoor theatrical company. He then became a licensed insurance agent, selling policies in the community, and encouraging everyone to prepare their wills, powers of attorney and last wishes. He often held group sessions to educate folks on how to prepare for the later years when such documents would be critical. He was a friend and advocate for everyone.

Bernie was active in the Emerald Isle community serving on committees and volunteering at the many events held by the town. He served on committees for development of the Veteran’s Memorial at the boat ramp as well as the adjacent playground. Active with various ministries and health-related organizations of Carteret County, he was a sought-after volunteer who carried that perfect blend of business experience and a giving heart for the people in this community, serving on committees at Carteret Healthcare and the Board of Health. Bernie’s longest involvement though was with the Broad Street Clinic where he worked for 17 years serving in any way he could, from being receptionist, fundraiser, secretary, treasurer, to vice chairman and finally chairman! After that, what more could he do? Well, he gave that some thought and decided he should obtain his pharmacy tech license and help dispense medications at the Clinic… so he applied to Carteret Community College at 80 years of age, and in 2014 received his certification, making him the oldest graduate from the college’s pharmacy tech program! Then after a long, storied career in community involvement in Carteret County, Bernie was an honored recipient of the Barwick Civic Award in 2015.

Bernie truly felt blessed in his lifetime, but others would say it was he who was the blessing to others. And his family whole-heartedly agrees! Family members cherishing his blessings and memories include daughters Deanna (Joe) Payne, Berna King, Susie (Malcolm) Boartfield and Tink (Dell) Baker. Grandchildren: Rhiana Pfaff, Kate Katz, Macy Steelman, Stephanie Yearwood, Hillary Foster and Paige Baker. Great Grandchildren: Gracie, Lucas, Jacob, Ava, Caleb, Allie, and Clover. Great Great Grandchildren: Peyton and Emmie. Two Nephews (sons of his sister Anna Marie Hartge): Paul Hartge and Tim Hartge. In addition, the family wishes to thank Bernie’s team of caregivers who loved and cared for him. They felt like they were his daughters too! Katie, Laurie, Ashley and Janet. The family also wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Gentiva Hospice of Swansboro who were invaluable to Bernie and his family during these last months.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 4,10am, at Jones Funeral Home in Swansboro. Reverend Tim Havlicek will lead the service. Family will greet guests following the service prior to departing for a 12pm interment of his and Deane’s ashes at Veterans’ Cemetery in Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in Bernie’s honor to: Broad Street Clinic 534 N 35th St, Unit K, Morehead City, NC 28557