Susanne Park Whitley

Susanne P. Whitley, age 89, of Newport, RI, died peacefully at the Grand Islander Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Middletown, RI on Sunday, September 27, 2015. The daughter of the late Thomas N. Park and Frances W. Park, Susanne was born August 27, 1926 in Raleigh, NC. She made her debut in Raleigh in 1946. After graduating in 1948 from Women’s College (now University of North Carolina at Greensboro) she worked for the City of Raleigh and later The North Carolina Highway Patrol. She was married for 63 years to Cdr. Walter J. Whitley, USN, (Ret) and served as a Navy wife.

After being stationed in Charleston, SC and Norfolk, VA Susanne and Walter became interested in historic preservation and chose Newport, RI as their home where they lovingly restored two homes in the historic Point Section. They were active founding members of Operation Clapboard, an organization instrumental for saving many Eighteenth Century homes in Newport. Susanne later became a Realtor in Newport, as did Walter after retiring from the Navy. Their love of Newport, its architecture and history, was a shared passion.

Susanne was an active member of Trinity Church, serving on the vestry for many years and volunteered in the soup kitchen. She was a member of the Colonial Dames of Rhode Island, The Junior League of Rhode Island, The Newport Garden Club, Sandpipers and together with her husband, The Clambake Club of Newport. She was very involved with the Secret Garden Tour in Newport and volunteered her lovely garden for many years.

She was a loving mother and wife, and friend and mentor to many. Her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ as her savior was an example to many.

She had a great sense of humor, which was still evident even through the years of her illness. She had great compassion and intelligence. She was always interested in everyone and their stories. Susanne was the extended family’s matriarch and a true Southern Lady.

She is survived by her husband Walter, son George L. G. Whitley IV and his wife Madeleine of New Bedford, MA; daughter Portia Bonner S. Whitley of Newport; her sister Margie P. Lucas and her husband Ashleigh of Cary, NC; and her brother Thomas N. Park and his wife Mary Lou of Goldsboro, NC; and many nieces and nephews in North Carolina.

In addition, she was predeceased by her sister Frances P. Carroll.

Visitation with family will be held in Raleigh, Sat. Oct. 3rd at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home between 10-11 a.m., 300 St. Mary’s Street, 27605. Graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue with Rev. Rick Clayton presiding.

A memorial service in her memory will be held at Trinity Church at a later date to be announced.

Donations in her memory can be made to Trinity Church, One Queen Anne Square, Newport, RI 02840, or the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 in honor of her long time caregiver Sister Irene. The family would like to thank The Grand Islander and All About Home Care for their years of care and compassion toward Susanne and the family.