Kristie Sue Whaley, 75, of Southern Pines, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the FirstHealth Hospice House in Southern Pines.

Born on November 14, 1950, in Los Angeles County, California, Kristie was the daughter of the late Stanley Edward Skidmore and Doris Mae Sandberg Skidmore. She carried a lifelong passion for art, especially painting, through which she expressed her creativity and love of beauty. Kristie also had a deep affection for animals, reflecting her gentle and compassionate spirit.

Kristie dedicated her professional life to helping others, serving as a youth counselor for the state of Arizona until her retirement. Her work touched many lives, and she will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and commitment to guiding young people.

She is survived by he husband, Dennis Charles Whaley; her sons, Clayton Byron Merritt and Jason Whaley; her sister, Debra Ann Schroepfer; her brother, Kip Stanley Skidmore; and her granddaughter, Nicole Merritt. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com.