God saw the road was getting rough; the hills were hard to climb,
He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered “Peace Be Thine”
Mary Jane White was born to the late Carrie Smith on July 21, 1927 in Columbus, GA and was later adopted by her step-father, John Lee Brown.
As a young adult, Mary moved from Columbus, GA to Chicago, IL and later relocated to Los Angeles, CA, where she met and fell in love with James “Jimmy” White, the man of her dreams. Being that James was a service man in the U S Navy, Mary lived in Japan and Germany. They were later married for many years until his death in 1988.
Even though Mary did not have children of her own, she reared a step granddaughter and two step great grandchildren.
Her greatest joy was when she finally talked her mother to move from Columbus, GA to California. Her mother lived with her for about ten years until her death in 1992.
Mary retired from the University of California, Riverside, after many years of service. She was a Dormitory Mom and enjoyed working with the students. The students even taught her how to speak Spanish.
Fifteen years ago, Mary relocated back to GA from San Bernardino, CA. She resided with her cousin, Lucille Bailey in Decatur, GA until February 2000.
Mary rededicated her life to Jesus Christ after moving back to GA. She attended Little Friendship Baptist Church, Decatur, GA under the leadership of Pastor Robert Welch. Her favorite Bible Verse was: Matthew 6-33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
In February 2000, Mary moved to College Park, GA to live with a second cousin, Eloise Patton. She attended Sarah Adult Daycare in Riverdale, GA. She truly enjoyed interacting with others.
After losing her ability to walk in March 2012, Mary became a resident of Christian City Convalescent Center, Union City, GA, where she was provided with great care. Mary had a” Surprise 85 Birthday Bash” here. She was surrounded by more that forty family members and friends. She said this was one of the happiest days of her life.
Mary was diagnosed with cancer two months ago and after much suffering, our Saviour , Jesus Christ, called her home on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 .
We are happy Mary came into our lives and she will surely be missed
She was preceded in death by her first cousin, Lucille Bailey, and step granddaughter, Denise Trevia White.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory: a brother, Morris (Dorothy) Brown, Atlanta, GA; 2nd cousins and caregiver, Eloise A.(Kenneth) Patton, Chakina Patton, College Park, GA; 1st cousins Catherine Whitlow, Lanett, AL; Viola (Cornelius)Whittaker, Ruby Askew, West Point, GA; Jimmy(Betty)Askew Atlanta, GA; Willie(Tina)Askew, Stone Mountain, GA; Arthur Henderson, Columbus, GA; Liz (Lee) Summers, Jonesboro, GA; Special 2nd cousin, Sandy Atkinson, III, College Park, GA; special friends , Barbara Jean McFarland, Ceatrice McQueen, Carolyn Calhoun, resident at Christian City Convalescent Center, a host of other relatives and friends.