Celia Lynn Archer White, a beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed on the morning of September 24, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. Lynn was born July 13, 1950 in McPherson, Kansas, the penultimate of five children born to Vance Dolven Archer, Jr. and Elsie Marybell Hepperly. She leaves behind her husband Thepher “Jerry” White, her three sons, Jerard and wife Cathy, Jacob and wife Tess, and Brendan, and granddaughter Hailey Pettigrew. and her siblings Christine, Vance, Dee, and Jay.
Lynn was raised in the plains of Hayes, Kansas before moving to Nashville, Tennessee as a teenager. She attended the Tennessee Technological University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She met her husband Jerry while teaching in Nashville and in 1980 became a teacher and principal at Saltillo Elementary where she was devoted to the advancement of education for every student, taught curiosity, and instilled a joy of learning. She moved to Jackson, Tennessee in 1986 after the birth of her second son. She soon became an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, joining the women’s group and choir. She also taught Sunday school there and played piano for the children’s church. As a child in a musical family, she played the violin and piano and developed a lifelong love of music. This and her love of learning led her to volunteer with the Jackson Symphony and then work as their Educational Coordinator. She also served for one year as the Interim Executive Director. Lynn played an important role in promoting and establishing educational and youth programs, starting the “Color of Music” program and actively supporting the Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra.
At home she was a devoted mother and wife who made the best waffles in the world among her many culinary accomplishments. Her attention to detail and experimentation with recipes led to many a wonderful family dinner around the table for the five to eight of us that might be there. From beginning to end, her meals always filled us with the superb flavors of sweet and savory. Her garden was surrounded by the colors and shades of her green thumb, which began when she was in Saltillo. The smell of the herbs and the sweetness of the vegetables added to the love which she used to create them.
Her positive and tenacious spirit inspired many and brought out the best in those around her, giving her the gift of a loving community and dear friends. She will greatly be missed by her family, friends, and all of those touched by her generosity, kindness, strength, and love.
Memorial Services for Lynn will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 11 am. The family will receive friends following the service.
atque in perpetuum, mater, ave atque vale.
George A. Smith and Sons, (731) 427-5555
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18