Florence was born August 4, 1929, in Tipton County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Floyd Dawson and Otis Faught Dawson. She grew up in Covington, Tennessee and attended Byars Hall High School. She married William C. Whaley also of Tipton County on November 02, 1947. Shortly after her marriage, she moved to Bartlett, Tennessee. She attended Cosmetology School in Memphis earning her certification. She owned and operated her own beauty shop for many years in Bartlett. She raised her four children in Bartlett and was very active in the Ellendale Church of Christ. She devoted her life to her family and church activities. She exemplified a Christian spirit to all who knew her. She was affectionately called Maw by her devoted family members who will miss her gentle manner and nurturing spirit. She was a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Whaley was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Whaley also of Bartlett of 55 years. She is survived by four children, Bill Whaley (Coy) of Eads, Tennessee, Richard Whaley (Cathy) of Memphis, Tennessee, June Smith (Gary) of Obion, Tennessee, and Sandra Stevenson (Greg) of Ellendale, Tennessee. Additionally, she is survived by her nine grandchildren, Shannon Smith, Rachel Rezach, Ginny Lansky, Richie Whaley, Gregory Stevenson, Jamie Zientak, Grant Stevenson, Angela Costello, and Ashley Holcomb. Eighteen great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her four siblings, John William Dawson, Paul Dawson, Ann Coyle, and Doris Plunk. She is survived by one sister, Velma Sullivan of Bartlett, Tennessee. Florence will forever be in our hearts, and we will miss her more than words can express.