Lillian Arnold White

Lillian Arnold White, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2024, in her residence in Andover, KS. Her final days were spent with many family members and friends surrounding her.

Lillian was born on April 12, 1930 in Greenville, SC, to Erskine Mitchell Arnold and Wylma Burgess Arnold. She was the eldest of 5 children and was preceded in death by all 3 of her sisters (Ann Brand, Janet Arnold and Pat Reddick) as well as her brother Erskine Mitchell Arnold Jr (Ted). In her teen years Lillian began attending Second Presbyterian Church, where she met her beloved husband, James Richard (Dick) White, whom she married in 1950. The Lord blessed them with 47 years of marriage before calling Dick home to glory in 1997.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Susan Miller (Mark) of Carolina Beach, NC, Sharon Cowan (Buddy) of Ewing, VA, Rick White (Sherry) of Summerville, SC, David White (Robin) of Flowery Branch, GA, and Robbie Franks (Rick) of Andover, KS, as well as 18 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren she was blessed to welcome into the family over the years.

After many years of life together in Greenville, Dick and Lillian moved to Rosman, NC where she managed the cafeteria at Ridge Haven Conference Center from its founding until her retirement. “Miz Lil”, as she was affectionately known, was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Brevard and also active in the Rosman community, volunteering with the meals on wheels program and serving at Tiger Town Thrift Store. Her love for her work touched the lives of many from across the nation and around the world, and her warm spirit made the cafeteria a welcoming place for all.

Lillian was a woman of faith and passed on a legacy of faith to her family. She loved the Lord and trusted in Him alone for her salvation. Lillian's love for the Lord, the mountains, and her family defined her life. She loved music, and spent many hours at the piano, playing her favorite songs, and she and Dick often hosted hymn sings. But some of her favorite memories were from times spent serving the Lord with groups of teens from Second Presbyterian Church as they hosted summer Bible School programs in Whitetop, VA. Her “Whitetop kids” as she always called them, held a very special place in her heart. She had a passion and gift for cooking and delighted in hosting tea parties for her granddaughters and later in life, her great-granddaughters, and had a reputation with all for being a great storyteller! Her warm smile and welcoming presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service to celebrate Lillian's life will be held on January 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC, with a graveside service to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery. Prior to the service, the family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 12:30 pm.

Those unable to attend may join the livestream at: https://spcgreenville.org/livestream/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to “Kirk of the Plains” (Presbyterian Church in America) Building Fund in Lillian's memory (P.O. Box 483, Andover KS 67002). Online gifts can be made by visiting https://kotp.org/give/ . Lillian became a beloved member of Kirk of the Plains in 2021 when she moved to Kansas to be closer to some of her family as her need for assistance increased. A memorial service will be held in Kansas at a later date.

Lillian Arnold White's legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, leaving behind a tapestry of love, faith, and cherished memories. To God be the glory!