Carolyn Lucille Whaley

Ms. Whaley was born in St. Cloud, Florida to Clay and Mildred Whaley and raised on a cattle ranch. After high school she was recruited into the Women's Air Force Band as a trumpet player. After her service she earned her college degree at Cal State Fullerton on a music scholarship.

For twenty-eight years she taught elementary band in the Barstow Unified School District. Upon retirement she moved to Las Vegas and dedicated her time to volunteering work with Women Veterans of Nevada and bugling for burials for homeless veterans and national holiday at the National Cemetery in Boulder City.

Her big heart and generosity were not just for friends and loved ones. Music was her passion. Each year former members of the WAF band would travel nationwide for their annual reunion. The highlight of her career was conducting the band in their final concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2019. Carolyn was a daily fixture at her favorite casino, Boulder Station, where no Keno machine was safe.

Carolyn is survived by her younger sister, Debra Wallaurer of St. Cloud, Florida. She will be buried with full military honors at the National Cemetery in Boulder City, the date and time to be announced on this website. A reception to follow at Boulder City Station Casino. Remembrances may be left on this website.