- Date Of Death: May 21, 2022
- State: Alabama
Leverla White was born in Clio, AL to the late Tode and Ellie Mae Smith. She confessed Christ as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithfully devoted member of Clio First Missionary Baptist Church until she transitioned from this earthly life to live eternally with Jesus, her Lord.
Mama, (Granny), as she is affectionally known by her immediate family, was quite the classy dresser, and she was always attired splendidly for every occasion, frequently with a matching hat to whatever eye-popping outfit she adorned.
Attending Clio First Missionary Baptist Church was her passionate devotion! Even after her occasional illness, her first desire after getting better was to return to her beloved Clio First Baptist Church which was at the forefront of her mind.
Equally important to her was her entire family. She believed love is what love does and she cherished having family over for a family meal after church each Sunday and for every significant holiday. Even as she reached 100 years old and beyond, she made it a practice to make an attempt to recognize all her children and grandchildren along with the spouses of each child without exception when possible. She loved the people of her community and especially her dear pastor, Rev. Kalvin Daffin.
Leverla attended Clio Public High School. Working on a farm in a small rural community didn’t always afford her the opportunity to fully gain the needed education, but her wisdom and knowledge were birthed through life’s lessons and willingness to do whatever it takes to care for her family. Her children remember fondly her saying – “Do not pay carrying charges.” She had a tremendous understanding around not paying unnecessary interest, known in her day as carrying charges. When her children were young, while they didn’t possess many clothes, she made sure to buy quality clothes that would last instead of simply focusing on what was less expensive.
She married young to Jethro White and birthed ten children, six sons and four daughters. She became gainfully employed and worked many years until retirement as domestic worker for military families on a nearby military base. She arose early and worked late as she returned to care for her large family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jethro White and her first-born son, Jay White. Also preceding her in death are her parents, Tode and Ellie Mae Smith as well as her siblings: William Smith, Rose Smith, Gennie M. Faulk, Victoria Knight, Tinie B. Baker, Gracie Hart and Foy Smith. Surviving siblings are: Mamie Armstrong, Lena P. Barnes and Beauty Boykins. Surviving children to cherish her love and memory are: Jerry (Carolyn) White, Otha White, Roy (Pam) White, Matthew (Sandra) White, Raymond (Sarah) White, Reuben (Everlyn) White, Cynthia (Mark) Wright, Laura (Joey) Lane and Julice (Carl) Burnett. The total descendants exceed over 155 family members who through her have impacted the world for years to come.
