Madge Garrison White

Charlotte - Madge Garrison White, 83, died suddenly on October 22, 2014 at Presbyterian Hospital. She was born in Waxhaw, NC on February 2, 1931 to Jessie and Madge Freeman Garrison, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Don B. White; a brother-in-law, Mack White, Jr. (June); nephews, Dr. Mack White, III (Mary Virginia) and Jim White (Julie); and special friends, Allen Smith and Tony Ward.

Madge graduated from Waxhaw High School in 1949 and from Flora MacDonald College (now part of St. Andrews University) in 1953 with a B.A. in Religious Education. After college she was employed by First Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, NC for 2 years. She then returned to the Waxhaw/Charlotte areas to assist in the care of her aging parents. Next was employment with Wachovia Bank in Charlotte, where she met her husband of 52 years, who was also employed by Wachovia. This was the first of eight different banks, as Don’s Navy assignments moved them every 2 years. She retired from Bank of America with 20 years of service.

Madge was a quiet person who enjoyed classical music, reading, Gene Kelly movies, her exercise group at Myers Park Methodist Church, and finding restaurants in Charlotte that “knew how to season green beans.” She loved to travel in Europe. Don’s Navy assignment for 3 ½ years in Lisbon, Portugal was a highlight. She was immediately taken by the ambiance of daily life in Portugal. She has maintained her Portuguese friendships for more than 45 years. Most of all, Madge enjoyed the company of family and friends. She had an uncanny ability to call up past times, places, and people.

A memorial service to celebrate Madge’s life will be held at 11 am on Monday, October 27, 2014 in the Chapel of Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte. Friends and family will be received following the service. Interment at Forest Lawn West Cemetery will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6010 Fairview Rd., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210, or to a charity of one’s choice.