Morgan Whaley

Kristen Morgan Whaley, born December 16, 1987, went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2026, after a long journey with a cancer called Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, High Grade. Throughout her cancer journey, she kept the Lord first and foremost as her focus and her faith never wavered. Morgan’s service will be at Central Baptist Church, Americus, on Sunday March 8, 2026 at 2:00 P.M, followed by a visitation in the sanctuary, and a private internment will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery following the visitation. The Men of the Young and Restless Sunday School group have been called to serve as active pallbearers. Pastor Bryan Myers to officiate. 

Throughout her 38 years of life, Morgan was known for many of her gifts which included lecturer, hair stylist, makeup artist, teacher, coach, student athlete, catcher, cousin, daughter, sister, mama, and wife. However, if you were to ask her the most important role of her life, she would tell you: follower of Jesus Christ. She adored her two boys (JW & Finley), her parents (Dean & Debra Basone), her besties (Alex Riccardi Turner & Mackenzie Hart Greene), and her husband, Jimmy Whaley. 

Morgan was born in Columbus, GA, and she lived in various places growing up. She attended Sequoyah High School in Woodstock, GA, where she graduated in 2006. Following graduation, she received a softball scholarship to attend Reinhardt University, where she was blessed to develop lifelong friendships with so many. During her time at Reinhardt, she obtained her degree in education. Upon completing her degree, Morgan got her first teaching job at Central Magnet Middle School in Murfreesboro, TN, where she taught English and coached softball and basketball. During her time in Tennessee, Morgan met Jimmy, moved to Americus, and began working at Deerfield Windsor School in Albany, GA. As a child, Morgan always dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist. With encouragement from her family and friends, Morgan took the risk and changed careers. She received her cosmetology degree from South Georgia Technical Cosmetology program. She worked with Meredith Owen for several years at The Look Salon. During those years, she made known her ability to make others look and feel beautiful. The number of clients (and friends) that she impacted while they sat in her chair will never be forgotten. It was a special time in her life, and she never regretted taking that risk. However, when she and Jimmy began growing their family, they decided that making the move back to education would be the best plan moving forward. Morgan was hired at Georgia Southwestern State University’s College of Education Department as an administrative assistant. During this time, she received her Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education and was promoted to lecturer. She fulfilled that position until her passing. While at GSW, the impact she made on the lives of her co-workers and students was unmatched. She was so proud to be a “Cane”, and she loved and took pride in her workplace and its people dearly. 

Morgan had a way of making everyone around her feel beautiful and/or loved, and her personality infected all of those around her in the very best way. The way she could light up any room was truly a gift from God. She loved people so well and always had a special way of meeting them wherever they were in their life. She will always be remembered for her contagious smile! These qualities live on through her precious boys. She gave the best of herself to them. Morgan leaves behind her husband, Jimmy Whaley, two sons; JW Whaley and Finley Whaley, her parents Dean and Debra Basone of Waleksa, GA, her brother Jordan Basone and his wife Shelby, three nieces and a nephew (Charlie, Lily, Jameson, and Rosie) of Jasper, GA., her grandmother Geneva Jordan of Canton, GA, her Uncle Steve Jordan (Kim), her Aunt Kay Jordan Smith (Allen), many cousins, and her RUBS family. Morgan was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandfather, Thomas Jordan “Aka Papa Tom,” and her cousin Jennifer Jordan.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made out to the Junior Service League of Americus.