Sarah Estelle Speake White

It is with great sadness and regret that the family announces that Sarah Estelle Speake White left this world to be with her Maker on Wednesday, March 20, 2013. She passed away peacefully at home at the age of 93. She was married to James (Ted) Clifton White for over 67 years.

Estelle was born in the Speake Community of Lawrence County, Alabama on May 14, 1919. She grew up in Moulton, Alabama, graduated from Lawrence Co. High School, attended State Teachers College in Florence, Alabama and completed her education and obtained her degree and a NC teaching certification from North Carolina State University at the age of 48. Estelle retired from teaching English at Cary High School in 1983. Estelle continued to be active in the community through volunteer work well into her 80’s.

Estelle was active in her church in Alabama and was an active member of Cary First Baptist Church since 1961. During WWII, Estelle and Ted both served in the Navy. Estelle served 3 years as a member of the WAVES while Ted served 4 years of active duty in the South Pacific.

Estelle White is survived by her loving husband Ted White; her daughter, Vicky (Marvin) Thompson of Cary, NC; sons, Jim (Elizabeth) White of Cary, NC and Bill (Ann) White of Liberty, NC. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Tonia (Tim) Hines of Wilmington, NC, David (Jennifer) Venable of Raleigh, NC, and Eli and William White of Cary, NC. Also surviving are 4 great grandchildren: Adeline and Ashton Hines and Estelle and Will Venable. In addition, extended family members include: Becky (Duane) Beckner; Wendy, Matthew Rhodes; Heather (Jason) and Kyndall Faircloth; Collin and Hannah Joyce; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family will be at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC at 1:30pm on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The funeral service will be held immediately afterwards at 3:00pm. Burial will follow at Apex Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation, gratitude and love to Lisa Willets for her exceptional care and support of both Estelle and Ted during the last years of Estelle’s life. The family also wishes to recognize and thank Hospice of Wake County for their outstanding care and support. To honor Estelle, the family requests that any donations be made to Hospice of Wake County.

The family wishes to thank everyone who has expressed their love and admiration for Estelle over the years by repeatedly saying “You have the sweetest Mom”!