Iris Marie Ginn White of Vestavia, Alabama was called to be with her heavenly Father on January 9, 2020 after a long illness. She was born and raised in Ensley, Alabama, where her parents owned and operated Ginn’s Grocery and Meat Market. She gave her life to Christ as a young child, and rededicated herself when she was a teenager. Iris sang in the church choir, and taught a junior Sunday School class for many years. She married her high school sweetheart, Joe White, and they spent 56 happy years together, until his passing in 2000.
Joe was a Family Practice physician in the Eastern part of Birmingham for over 32 years, and while he was in school, Iris worked at Liberty National Life Insurance Company in the Industrial Issue Department and the Renewal Premium Department. She volunteered at Children’s Hospital and East End Memorial Hospital, where she helped organize the Auxiliary. Iris was an active member of the Jefferson County Medical Auxiliary for many years, serving on numerous committees and hosting meetings in her home. Iris was also a charter member of the Birmingham Art Museum and a prior member of the Birmingham Historical Society, Arlington Historical Society and the Alabama Symphony Association.
Joe and Iris travelled extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and often included their children. Iris had a passion for architecture and design, and she and Joe designed and built several homes in Mtn. Brook, Alabama, which Iris lovingly decorated.
She also greatly loved her church family, and was an active member of Mtn Chapel United Methodist Church for over 30 years. The Family Life and Care Committees were very special to Iris, as were the Happy Timers and the Saturday Socials.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe E. White, M.D., her parents, Marlin P. Ginn and Catherine (Carrie) Rice Ginn, her brother, Marlin J. Ginn and a sister, Nellie Ginn Williams.
Iris is survived by her 2 children, Kim White Haley and Christopher Joel White, 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth Marie Haley, Joseph Ellis Haley, Christopher Joel White, Jr. and Clayton Ellwood White. She is also survived by a sister, Dollie Ginn Bush and brother in law Floyd Bush, several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many special friends.
In addition to her husband Joe, her children and grandchildren gave her the greatest joy. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and she was the epitome of grace, kindness and Christian values. Her life was blessed and beautiful, and she will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Sekinah and Shontell in particular. Much appreciation goes to Anniece Anderson and Wendolyn Anderson for their special care and friendship.
A Memorial Service is planned to celebrate the life of Iris White on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Mtn Chapel United Methodist Church 2541 Rocky Ridge Road. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2:00, and the service will commence at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mtn Chapel or to a charity of choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the White family.
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