Amelia P. White

Early Life

Amelia “Mimi” Pouncy White was born on March 17, 1959 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the ninth of ten children born to the late Gus and Alice Pouncy. Mimi was a happy child that was often found smiling and dancing as she loved to listen to music and dance. Mimi attended Erasmus Hall High school where she learned to play the piano and had many successful piano recitals, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York, NY. After high school graduation she attended Cheyney State College in Cheyney, Pa, which is where she would also later meet the love of her life Gary. During her college days she was active in extracurricular activities including being a member of the volleyball team and choir. On December 5, 1978, Mimi was initiated into the Delta Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, where she would later become chapter President. In May 1981, she graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Music.

After graduating from Cheyney, she moved to Tacoma Washington with Gary as he was stationed there for duty in the U.S. Army. After a few years, Mimi and Gary secretly wed in February 1984. They later hosted a formal wedding in June 1984 on Andrews Air Force Base, shortly after moving back to Maryland. After marriage Gary was stationed in Zweibruken, Germany. While stationed there, they traveled extensively all across Europe until they were ready for their next chapter in 1988. Gary and Mimi moved back to Maryland in 1988 and were overjoyed with excitement to find out about their pregnancy with their first born Leon. While pregnant, she accepted an offer as an Administrative Professional for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. Just shortly after, Mimi and Gary welcomed their second son, Aaron.

Career

After her assignment with the Federal Home Loan Bank Board she transferred to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Legal Division in early 1989. She obtained several promotions while working in the Legal Division. Seeing the need to help others, Mimi transferred to the Office of Diversity and Economic Opportunity (ODEO) which was later named the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI), as a Program Assistant with the Complaints Branch in 2004. While working in ODEO/OMWI, she was detailed to the Office of Legislative Affairs. In 2010, Mimi was promoted to an EEO Specialist position in OMWI, which allowed her to continue to assist others. In 2014 she retired and ended her successful and robust career with the FDIC after receiving numerous STAR and MERIT awards.

Her Testimony

For many years, Mimi was suffering from constant pain throughout her entire body as well as fatigue and weakness. The pain eventually led Mimi to an orthopedic doctor that recommended an MRI. In 2011, Mimi was diagnosed with multiple myeloma; a cancer of plasma cells that begins in the bone marrow. After the diagnosis, she looked to the Lord for help as she knew that God was a healer. She was able to move forward by having faith in God and relying on scriptures such as, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV). After her diagnosis, the family discovered that one of the most successful centers in the country for treating multiple myeloma is located at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. No doubt, a part of God’s divine plan, Mimi had plenty of family members in the Little Rock area that were there to support her. Along with being surrounded by loved ones, what helped most, emotionally and physically, was her constant prayer and staying in the Word every day. She continued to remain faithful and was provided two passages in particular that gave her strength. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV) and “For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,' declares the LORD…”(Jeremiah 30:17 NAB). From 2012-2018, Mimi made numerous trips to UAMS, undergoing multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, with each trip requiring extended stays. While at home in Maryland, she continued with several chemotherapy treatments per month. Mimi was a fighter with unwavering faith.

Community Activism

Mimi entered the Prince George’s County Delta Alumnae Chapter (PGCAC) in the 2000's with an unforgettable degree of extraordinary elegance and endless grace. Always stately in statute and with pristine mannerisms, she proudly proclaimed her chapter of initiation, Cheyney State College, the oldest HBCU in the nation. The chapter knew that there was something special about Mimi when she joined as she was a courageous leader with both character and charisma. She immediately recognized the need to work and found the perfect niche. She served on the Health and Social Welfare Committee, striving to meet the physical and mental health needs of our community. Always enthusiastic and seeking to do more, she actively participated on the Heritage and Archives and Founders Day Committees. Focused on capturing the stellar programming in the Chapter, she eagerly served on the team of three to develop the Chapter’s Delta Dialogue Magazine, where her passion for the possible soared. As the Senior Editor, she was extremely organized and profoundly thoughtful and responsible. It was during this experience that the chapter discovered that she had once worked for, undeniably the most celebrated national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Quietly and proudly, she shared personal photos with Dr. Height and it was then that the chapter understood why she was so special. She had the most dynamic mentor in Dr. Height.

Beyond working diligently with the Chapter, Mimi served as a team leader, championing the annual Holiday Splendor fundraising benefit sponsored by the Prince George’s County Delta Alumnae Foundation. Mimi always put others first and realized that this benefit provided the funding to support community-based programs in Prince George’s County.

Not one to shy away from hard work, Mimi successfully campaigned for and was elected to the position of PGCAC Recording Secretary. She served in this position until she began to experience health problems, hosting fun-filled task force meetings to complete mailings and other time sensitive projects. Whether serving on committees; attending National Conventions, Regional Conferences or supporting annual chapter fundraisers, such as the Scholarship Fashion Show/Luncheon Benefit or the All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feast, Mimi was always there - working and loving every moment with her Sorors.

Never in search of Sisterhood, Mimi found it in PGCAC. She never missed paying her annual dues. In fact, Mimi paid her 2018-2019 chapter dues when she attended the February sorority meeting earlier this year. Her legacy can be summed up in the words of Dr. Dorothy I. Height, “Progress comes from caring more about what needs to be done than about who gets the credit.” Soror Mimi loved and lived the ideals of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and she was loved by many.

Mimi was a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden for 17 years and served in several ministries, including the Women’s Ministry Registration Team, Secretary and proofreader for Vision Magazine, Secretary for the Military Ministry and a member of Sisters for Your Journey. She most recently served in the Grace Magazine Ministry.

Mimi leaves to cherish her beloved memories; her husband, Gary P. White, her sons, Leon G. White (Amani), Aaron P. White (Alexis), granddaughter, Eden Mimi White and 9 siblings; Luella McNeely (Chester), Christine Devine, Lester Pouncy, Sandra Hauges (Robert), Richard Pouncy, Iris Witherspoon (Robert), Jacqueline Smith (Noah), Larry Pouncy, Garry Pouncy (Victoria), and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

Mimi will be sorely missed by all who knew her and loved her. But to have known Mimi, is to have witnessed the strength needed to champion through anything if you just let God.