Michael Anthony White

District Elder Michael Anthony White—beloved husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, godfather, mentor, and friend—departed this life on May 9, 2026, at the age of 69, following a brief illness in Seabrook, Texas.

Michael was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 17, 1956, to James Russell White, Jr. and the late Willie Mae Anderson. The family home on North LaSalle Gardens was known as a vibrant center of community, fellowship, and entrepreneurial spirit. Michael often reflected on the influence of his older brothers—Sidney, Melvin, and James—and his sister Tammy, affectionately describing them as a “constant source” of wisdom, guidance, and life lessons.

A gifted scholar from an early age, Michael graduated as valedictorian of Northwestern High School in Detroit. He continued his education at the University of Michigan, earning his undergraduate degree, and later received a Master’s Degree in Computer Resources Management from Webster University while serving in the military. Michael faithfully served six years in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged with the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer. He received the Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Navy E. Ribbon.

It was at the University of Michigan that Michael met the love of his life, Elder Denise White. After a devoted courtship, they were united in marriage in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where together they built a life grounded in love, faith, family, and community that flourished for more than 40 years. Throughout their journey together, they lovingly embraced many bonus sons, daughters, and grandchildren, each becoming a cherished and integral part of the beautiful tapestry of their shared life and legacy.

Michael’s distinguished career in higher education flourished through his leadership in financial aid administration at several respected institutions. He served as Financial Aid Director at West Virginia University Institute of Technology; Dean of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana; Associate Director at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh; and held leadership roles at the University of Michigan, including the Ross School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the Office of Financial Aid. Michael was deeply passionate about mentoring students and supporting families as they navigated opportunities for higher education. He was committed to helping others identify financial solutions and cost-saving pathways that empowered them to pursue and fulfill their dreams of earning degrees in their chosen fields. Even in the days leading up to his passing, he continued to advise, encourage, and collaborate with former students and trusted colleagues, reflecting his lifelong dedication to service, education, and the success of others.

Michael’s faith was the foundation and driving force behind his lifelong commitment to serving others wherever life’s journey led him. As a devoted member of Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, he faithfully served in the Chancel Choir, the Male Chorus, and the Marriage Enrichment Ministry.

After relocating to Wisconsin, Michael and Denise united with Bethel Family Worship Center, where they were ordained as Elders and faithfully served in the presbytery and various ministry leadership roles. Later, District Elder Michael and Elder Denise White became devoted members of A More Excellent Way Life Center Church in Charleston, West Virginia under the leadership of Chief Apostle Dr. Robert L. Haley, III. As an ordained elder, Michael devoted himself to Christian education, community engagement, leadership development, and worship ministry as a member of the praise team. District Elder Michael White and Elder Denise White founded Loving God with Excellence Ministries shortly after relocating to West Virginia. Their ministry established a church in Seabrook and began a partnership with Behind Closed Doors Ministries with Apostle Tess Beafneaux. Under the guidance and covering of Chief Apostle Dr. Robert L. Haley, III, their ministry expanded internationally, allowing them the privilege of ministering in Canada, Nigeria, and Uganda, while also establishing ministry connections in India.

He remained steadfast in supporting the ministry through spiritual teaching, leadership, marketing, and outreach initiatives. Michael also dedicated countless hours to creating and sharing spiritual encouragement and inspirational content through social media, seeking to uplift and strengthen others in their faith journey. His final literary work, Faith As a Verb: Engaging God in Everyday Life, will be released as part of his enduring legacy of faith and encouragement. Michael and Denise also founded Mind Mosaic Coaching and Consulting, LLC, a venture dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations through transformational growth, leadership development, and purposeful change.

His unwavering commitment to service extended into the broader community through his participation in the Clear Lake Baptist Church Food Pantry of Pasadena, Texas and the A More Excellent Way Life Center Church Food Distribution Program of Charleston, West Virginia, reflecting his compassionate heart and steadfast desire to care for those in need.

Michael especially loved hosting family and community gatherings at their former home on Mission Hills in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Their home became the setting for countless Bid Whiz games, Thanksgiving celebrations, Easter egg hunts, snowball fights, movie nights, and cherished family gatherings. Michael affectionately referred to it as “the halfway house” because it often became a safe haven where family and friends could find rest, healing, encouragement, and restoration during difficult seasons of life.

His final act of service was as an organ donor through the LifeGift program.

Michael’s memory will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Elder Denise White; sisters Tammy (Boris) Timarac, Lisa Elzy Watson, and Tanya M. Elzy; special sisters-in-love Ruby Beale, Laurita Thomas, Janet Hall, and Jodie Journey; brother Willie D. Elzy; brothers-in-love Charles Hall and Kevin Spencer; stepchildren Coquese (Darin) Wilson and Paul (Kelli) Bristol; children-in-love Sharon (Jeff) Foust; childhood friends Darryl and Curt Dodson; grandchildren Mavrick (Kaylor) Bristol, Daniel Wilson, Lauren Wilson, Takoda Bristol, and Payton Bristol; special nieces Mariah K. Watson, Tina Saxon, Danielle Little, Rochelle Malone, Mahogany Malone, and Faith (Emmanuel) Johnson; nephews Eric Anderson, Josiah Elzy, Shawn Malone, DaShawn Malone, Quinshawn, Brandon Journey, Damaune Journey and Lemar Thomas; goddaughter Caitlyn Hall; grandchildren-in-love Gian and Giavanni DeGuzman and Austin Foust; Clayton and Paul Beale, Joe (Monica) Blanco, Dedric (Niecy) Hawkins, Keith (Tania) Cook, Laura Mejia, Dennis Medel, along with his beloved church family at A More Excellent Way Life Center Church, members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, First Baptist Church of Pasadena, and the Clear Lake Baptist Church Food Pantry community.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Anderson; his father, James Russell White, Jr.; brothers Sidney Little, William Melvin Little, James White, Dirk Elzy; stepson Shawn R. Bristol; and grandson Jordan Michael Klee. Michael’s life was a testimony of faith, service, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering love for God, family, and community. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.