Donna Arlene White

Donna Arlene Hull White, (“Meemaw” to many,) passed away on Tuesday, September 29th due to complications from COVID-19. Donna was born on February 10th, 1934 in Girard, Texas to Maudie Vee Sanders Hull and Raymond Lloyd Hull. She graduated from Harlingen High School in Harlingen, Texas in 1951. In her 86 years, Donna became a beaming mother, beloved grandmother, and bespectacled great-grandmother. Moreover, she remained a devout Christian, dedicated sister, and devoted friend: she will be laid to rest beside her late husband, decorated United States Air Force veteran, Thomas Earl White.

She is survived by her children: Ramona Lynn Vessell (Gary,) Tomi Lee White, John Brian White (Valerie,) Dena Arlene Ayars, and Leslie Gayle Bernbaum (Lee.) In her passing, she has rejoined her eldest son, Curtis Wayne White, who greeted peace in 2011.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Stafona Nichols (Jason), Tammy Jo Stephens (Jeff), Alan Vessell, Colby Korsun (Sarah), Ryan McKay, Kristin Berry (Joey), Brittany Onco (Joey), Melisa Rose, Sidney Bernbaum, Broderick Baumann, and Alex Bernbaum. Donna had thirteen great-grandchildren, and there are two more on the way.

Donna was the best cook in the family, a skillful seamstress, and a boisterous armchair quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys—she never missed a game. She also volunteered much of her time to her community; whether it was reading to elementary students, leading bible study, or crocheting additional baby blankets for each new arrival to the family. She was bravely unapologetic when it came to what was right—she knew a lot about John Wayne. While she was still in good health, Donna led a discussion for her fellowship on Randy Travis’ “Three Wooden Crosses;” its thesis rests in the fact that having abundance in one’s legacy is of far greater importance than worldly accumulation of material wealth. Always gentle in counsel, fastest to feed hungry kin, quickest with a joke, and usually clad in brilliant red clothing, Donna left behind a legacy of wonderful memories for each member of her bountiful lineage. She will be forever remembered and profoundly missed.

A funeral service is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 3rd, at 2pm. The service will occur at Bill Eisenhour SE, 5005 SE 29th St, Del City, OK 73115. Masks and social distancing will be required. The service will also be broadcast on Facebook for those who cannot attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans)—which can be found at https://www.dav.org/