Jerome Stephen White Sr.

Jerome was born December 22, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan to Mary and Jack White. He spent his formative years getting into mischief with his older brother Jimmy, protecting his younger sister Jocie, and trying to meet the example set by his oldest sister, Jackie. The four balanced their big city life with summers on their grandparents’ farm in rural Indiana. The rounded upbringing would form the basis of his strong morals and affable personality.

When it was time for college, Jerome was accepted to the accounting program at Michigan State University (MSU). In addition to studying, he took up various summer jobs. One of which was in the coker at Great Lakes Steel. This was a little known fact until many years later when the job appeared on an episode of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, much to Jerome’s delight. His proudest moment while at MSU came on April 17, 1970 when he was initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Pi Chapter as one of the Fabulous Phantom Fifteen. He would dedicate much of his life to the Kappa organization, going on to be a charter member of the Lansing Alumni Chapter.

After graduating in 1974, Jerome took a job as an auditor with the State of Michigan. As he navigated his early career, he sought hobbies. A colleague tried to get him into skiing, but he hated the cold. He found golf to be more to his liking. For 45 years Jerome was a staple in various State of Michigan golf leagues. There were several seasons in which he was crowned champion, and a few in which he was generous enough to let others win.

In 1975, while attending a Kappa party, Jerome met Regina Washington. After years of courting, the two would go on to have three children – Jerome Jr., Melissa, and Whitney – who formed the bedrock of his life. Jerome was an amazing father, with an ability to teach, to learn, and to adapt. While work at the state was interesting, he really loved the job because it “got me home early to be with my kids.”

As his kids grew, spending time with them meant traveling the globe to visit Jerome, Jr.; falling asleep at numerous concerts listening to Melissa’s soothing violin; and guiding Whitney to running glory as coach of Lightning Lynx Track Club, which he co-founded. As Coach White he helped several young people in Lansing to compete at the national level.

After 36 years of working for the State, Jerome retired and began a second career as a funeral home assistant. Through a stroke of luck he landed at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Jerome cherished the job, with many of his colleagues turning into endearing friends.

One of Jerome’s annual traditions was going to Las Vegas with his family. The trip was a highlight for him. During the 2023 edition his daughters coaxed him into attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour. While they sat upfront, he purchased the more modest tickets in the back. Watching through his binoculars, he was enraptured, coming away declaring “Beyoncé is my favorite artist.”

This year's trip was extra special, involving all of his siblings and even his daughters and son-in-law. They ate well, and accumulated over 20,000 steps each day attempting to play every slot machine on the strip. His brother even hit a jackpot. He returned from the trip exhausted but happy, messaging his kids that he was “safe and sound in bed.” That message would be his last, as he was called home peacefully in his sleep shortly thereafter.

Jerome Stephen White, Sr., was a simple man, but not simplistic. He spoke a little and observed a lot. He was able to find happiness in routine and in the small things in life. He lived within his means, and encouraged others to do the same. He leaves behind his three children: Jerome White, Jr (Samyukta Ranganathan), Melissa White (Marshall Lindsey), and Whitney White; three siblings: Jaqueline Champion, James White, and Jocelyn Motley; a nephew Thomas Champion, and nieces Jennifer Marshall and Adonica Parker. He was loved by all who met him and will be missed dearly by everyone who knew him.

Please join his family as they celebrate his life on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Funeral Home (3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI). Visitation will begin at 2pm with services beginning at 3pm. A repast will follow the services at the funeral home.

Jerome will be laid to rest near his family at Roberts Chapel Cemetery (3102 E. 276th St., Atlanta, IN) on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Roberts Settlement, a community containing the farmland of Jerome’s grandparents, and the burial grounds on which he will be laid to rest. For more information please visit https://www.robertssettlement.org/donations.html