Kathryn Whaley Allgren

Kathryn Elizabeth Whaley Allgren, 73 of North Charleston, S.C. passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026 with her sister by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Kathy, affectionately known as "Kat", was born on June 6, 1953 at the Navy Hospital in Charleston, S.C. She was the firstborn child of Jim and Kathryn "Kitty" Whaley. Kathy was known for her humor and quick wit, talkability, generosity, faith, patriotism, good citizenry, courage, love for animals and children, and an extraordinary sense of adventure. Kathy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Charleston. After graduating from First Baptist High School of Charleston in 1970, where she excelled in English and Music, was a student school bus driver for one of their largest routes, and played Women's Basketball for the Hurricanes under Coach Jim Whaley, her Dad, Kathy went on to Nursing School at The Baptist College of Charleston (now, Charleston Southern University) where she also played Women's Basketball for the Buccaneers. Kathy's brief career in Nursing began at Baker Hospital and continued at St. Francis Hospital. Her earliest introduction to the field of Nursing was during her teenage years serving in the "Candy Striper" program for Roper Hospital. Although Kathy greatly respected the field of Nursing, she accepted a position as a 911 Operator Dispatcher for the City of Charleston Fire Department Emergency Services. This position continued her family's long legacy with The Charleston Fire Department. During this time, Kathy was also an active volunteer with The American Red Cross and a part time Security Guard at the Joseph Floyd Manor for the City of Charleston Housing Authority. For over two decades, Kathy fearlessly served the Greater Charleston Area with honor and distinction. In 1999, Kathy made another career change to the Transportation Industry. She obtained her Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and for the next nineteen years, with her beloved dog Bocephus riding shotgun for fifteen years, Kathy drove an 18 wheeler semi-truck across the USA as well as Canada, for American Eagle and later for Celadon Trucking Companies. It was an incredible and amazing journey!Kathy was blessed with so many unique talents. For many years, she played the piano with such skill and grace, often earning her the Finale slot in Recitals, captivating the audience with beautiful renditions like the Theme from Exodus, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and the most difficult classical pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. Kathy shared her extraordinary talent by playing for area churches, glee clubs, and community concerts. For respite and relaxation, Kathy was an avid reader and loved working crossword puzzles. She enjoyed cross stitch, making jewelry and Christmas ornaments, but she absolutely loved to crochet, a skill taught to her by her grandmother, Thayer Burk Craven. She won many ribbons, awards, and prize money for her creations at The Coastal Carolina Fair and at Community Art Expos. In her later years, she crocheted blankets for The Linus Project, an organization that provides blankets to children 0-18, in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Kathy also enjoyed scuba diving, achieving life saving certifications, and swimming. Throughout her teenage years, Kathy taught water safety and all levels of swimming at both the YWCA and the YMCA. This life skill served her well throughout the years, when as a beachgoer, on numerous occasions, she rescued people from the ocean caught in rip currents. Kathy also enjoyed going to the shooting range to perfect her skill, playing board games, cards, pool, and ping pong. She was a fun and fierce competitor. Kathy loved her community and was humbled by the support and articles through the years in the Charleston Post and Courier featuring her acts of heroism and courage. Kathy is survived by her sister, Thayer Whaley Arredondo (Victor) of Charleston, her niece Grace Kathryn Arredondo Martin (Ryan), her grand nephew, Thomas Malachi Martin, all of Charleston, her nephews, Victor "Burk" Arredondo and James Theron Whaley Jr. both of Charleston. Her uncle Dr. Paul J. Craven Jr. (Joye) of Atlanta, GA and her aunt MaryJane W. Craven of Harleyville, S.C. Also numerous cousins who cared about Kathy, loved and supported her through the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert James Whaley and Kathryn Ellen Craven Whaley, her brother, James Theron Whaley Sr., her uncles, Julian W. Craven and George A. Whaley and aunt Ethel S. Whaley."Absent from the body, present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8.In accordance with Kathy's wishes, the family will honor her and celebrate her life in a private event.