Mary W. White, dear wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community stalwart, who enjoyed a long and extraordinarily wonderful life, passed away at 12:22pm on 26 August 2016, after a long illness and complications from strokes.
She was the beloved wife of 67 year (September 8, 1948) to Colonel Ulysses X. (Xerk) White, US Army, Retired; devoted mother of Ulysses X. White, Jr (deceased), Barry M. White and Alvin B. White of Manassas, VA loving grandmother of Elisha W. Coffrin, Randy M. White, Patrice W. McIlhany, Cameron J. White and Mariah A. White; and wonderful great-grandmother of Reese Xerxes and Kyle Coffrin, LaDamian and Akiera McIlhany. She is also greatly missed by her daughters-in-law, Felice Motley White and Jean Walker White, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. On January 1, 1930, Mary Alice Mack and Johnny Wilson brought forth on this earth Mary Elizabeth Wilson–a person of great character, integrity and strength, vibrant and ready to take on the world. Take on her world, she did! Although born in Birmingham, Alabama, Mary Elizabeth was raised by her grandparents, Sylvester and Sallie Lou Mack, in Marianna, a small town in northwestern Florida, where she received her primary and secondary education. She was
Take on her world, she did! Although born in Birmingham, Alabama, Mary Elizabeth was raised by her grandparents, Sylvester and Sallie Lou Mack, in Marianna, a small town in northwestern Florida, where she received her primary and secondary education. She was
Take on her world, she did! Although born in Birmingham, Alabama, Mary Elizabeth was raised by her grandparents, Sylvester and Sallie Lou Mack, in Marianna, a small town in northwestern Florida, where she received her primary and secondary education. She was
She was devoted pillar of the family and was a firm believer in Proverbs 31:23, which she interpreted as meaning, “a good wife helps to make her husband successful.” Mary felt that the success of any family begins with the wife and mother: in helping her husband to be successful, she would be successful, and the family would also be successful. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was absolute.
Mary always said that what you put into a child’s head between the ages of zero and five years is what that child becomes. The many successes of her progeny bear out her wisdom. Mary also was a firm believer in service to community, state, and nation, always making where she lived a better place than when she found it.
During her husband’s military career, she travelled with him to several foreign countries. The family spent six years in Europe (Germany) and three years in the Far East. During these duty tours, she participated in the local culture of the host countries. For example, in 1964, when her husband was stationed in the Republic of China (Taiwan) she, along with several other military wives, participated in a program with the Chinese Armed Forces Language Institute to teach the Chinese soldier conversational English.
Although she had no prior teaching experience, she adapted very easily. She considered herself and family as ambassadors and sought to give local citizens a positive view of Americans. She was pleased with the work she did in China, and for her efforts with the Chinese military students, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chief of Staff of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG), Taiwan.
Although the above event stands out as a highlight in support of her husband during his military service, this was, by far not only contribution she made. She participated in a number of social and community events that were equally important. These events were just as beneficial, instructive and important to her and her family.
Mary supported her husband throughout his military career. She felt they were in the military together and that it was important for her to do her part. Accordingly, she was active in organizing and participating in officers’ wives clubs at each installation to which they were assigned, whether overseas or in the continental US. Activities included putting on social functions and promoting local charities.
After Colonel White retired from the military, Mary continued to champion family, community, and state. Mary and Xerk established a small business and operated it form more than 20 years. In 1990, Mary helped Xerk campaign for Manassas City Councilman on the Republican ticket. After his victory, she joined the Republican wives club and served as its treasurer.
In 1994, her husband was appointed by Governor George Allen to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and in 1995, to the Board of Historic Resources. In both of these appointments, she travelled to and from Richmond to assist in these endeavors, and worked tirelessly with the wives of other appointees to ensure a smooth, cooperative work environment.
Her support for her husband in these instances was just as beneficial, instructive, and important to her and her family as her support for him while in the military. Mary chose to follow the path of homemaker and community-builder wherever she resided.
Her husband and children testify to her great success. The family will receive guests/friends at the First A.M.E. Church, 10313 South Grant Avenue, Manassas, VA on Wednesday September 14, 2016, from 12:00 pm to 1:45pm. Funeral service will commence at 2:00pm.
Flowers may be sent to: Ames Funeral Home, or donations may be made to the American Stroke Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland, KS 66202.
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