Sharon A. White

Sharon Story Austin White passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at Duke University Medical Center following the onset of a brief and acute lung condition. Born June 11, 1947 in Lenoir, NC, she was preceded in death by her parents, the late Harold and Mary Story.

She attended Lenoir High School and graduated from Hudson High School in 1965. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Clinical Psychology, Magna Cum Laude, from Appalachian State University. She was associated professionally for many years with Foothills Area Program in various clinical and management roles, including Specialized Youth Services for which she received numerous awards and was regarded as an expert across North Carolina. She also served as the Director of Mental Health Programs for Caldwell and Alexander Counties for New River Behavioral Healthcare. Most recently, she retired from RHA Health Services in June 2017. Sharon cared deeply about her clients and she touched the lives of many in our local communities through her extensive work in public mental health.

Sharon possessed a quick wit, a warm smile and her love of family and friends was boundless. Along with her husband, James Arnold White who survives her, she loved to host summer pool gatherings at their home and all were welcome there. She was generous with her home and her time, both of which were open to countless friends and family members who relied on her for counsel.

Left to treasure wonderful memories of Sharon, in addition to her devoted husband, are her son, Chad Donovan Austin (Liane Whisnant) of Hickory; daughters Kathi White Hoyle of Lenoir and Jeanna White Berry of Cary; grandchildren Donovan Brentley Austin of Hickory, Peyton Marie Hoyle of Lenoir and Dallas Hardin Berry II of Cary; and her sister, Suzanne Story DeFerie (David DeFerie) of Asheville. She is also survived by her aunt, Cleo Story Triplett, numerous cousins whom she loved dearly and her precious canine boys, Taz and Ouzi.

A Celebration of Sharon's Life will be held on Saturday, November 18th, at 3 pm in the Chapel of Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home with the Rev. Edyth Pruitt of Fairview Presbyterian Church officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service at Cedar Rock Country Club, 2065 Cedar Rock Estates Dr., Lenoir, NC 28645.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be considered to the Pulmonary Education Support Fund at Duke Health, which provides educational opportunities for fellows who are training to be pulmonologists. Please mail checks to Duke Health Development, ATTN: Morgan Pope, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701 or visit https://www.gifts.duke.edu/dukehealth/ (search “pulmonary”) to make a secure gift online.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com.

Pendry’s Lenoir funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sharon Austin White.