Gladys White

White, Gladys Katherine passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018. She was born the eldest child of Charlie L. Lollar and Muriel Irene Boyd on April 14, 1917 in Caledonia, Mississippi. She helped her mother raise her 8 brothers and sisters during the Great Depression, following the loss of her father when she was 18.

After moving to Texas, she met Robert Russell (“Bob”) White, Sr. and they were married for 57 years. They lived in Uvalde, Austin, San Antonio, Arlington, Dallas, Shreveport, LA and finally settled in Houston, TX for the last 40 years.

During WWII she became a “Rosie Riveter”. She utilized the skills she learned, combined with amazing engineering and creativity, to design and invent the first fold away baby crib for Braniff Airlines. Adding her artistic flair and tastes to her repertoire, Gladys purchased a custom drape and upholstery shop, which she developed into a very successful business and owned for 7 to 8 years.

Highlights of her commitments and memberships included: 50+ year membership with Ch. #304 of the Eastern Star, Austin, TX; Montessori teacher for years in Shreveport, LA, and a devoted member of St. Philip’s Methodist church for over 30 years, where she taught Sunday school and served in various groups. She is a lifetime member of the Methodist Women’s Group, and spent many dedicated years contributing 100’s of volunteer hours at SW Memorial Hospital, Houston, TX.

Her steadfast faith and enduring love of the Lord was the cornerstone of her life and strength for her and her family. The sparkles of joy in her eyes could light an entire room. Those same beautiful blue eyes could twinkle and fill with such mischievousness that you always knew she was up to something! She was always there to plant seeds of wisdom, share in laughter and tears, provide words of caution and encouragement, or to just sit with you. She will be missed, but so treasured!!

She is proceeded in death by husband Bob; Brothers Reggie, Gene, and Troy; and Sisters Ray, Carmen and Ann. She is survived by her daughter, Linda White Wooten and husband Jim Wooten, and her son Robert (Rusty) White and wife Debbie White. Granddaughter Kari Straach and husband Gary Straach, Grandson Shane Wooten, Granddaughter Stacey White, Granddaughter Sarah Rees and husband Dennis Rees. Great-grandson Corey Kruseman, Great-granddaughter Kaylin Kruseman, Great-granddaughter Mary Wooten, Great-grandson Russell Rees, Great-grandson JD Rees, Great-grandson “Wild Willy” who has yet to make his appearance, but is due in February! Sister Maxine and Brother Charles, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held on January 20, 2018 at 2PM, at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home located at 12555 S. Kirkwood, Stafford, TX 77477. A reception for friends and family will follow at the home of Jim and Linda Wooten in Stafford, TX 77477.