Dayne Parish White

Dayne White, a woman of commitment and devotion, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 91 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Dayne was born on February 15, 1934, in Houston Texas to Charles and Irene Evans. She graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1952 and married her high school sweetheart, Frank R. Parish in 1954. They welcomed their daughters Leigh (1964) and Janet (1967) as Dayne took on her life-long favorite role as a mother.

Her deep commitment to motherhood was evidenced by her never-ending support of her daughters as they pursued activities like piano, dance, choir and drill team. She always ensured on-time arrivals, in proper attire and hair style. She loved sewing and always delighted in hand crafting dresses for the girls. Dayne was also very involved in their school life as evidenced by her assuming the role of Coordinator for the VIPS (volunteers in public schools) organization at SC Red Elementary in SW Houston for many years ensuring that faculty and administrators had the support they needed from the parents of the students.

She possessed the gift of hospitality and loved hosting friends and family in her home. She taught her daughters the importance of correct table setting, menu planning and perfectly polished silverware and ironed tablecloths.

In 1983 she married the true love of her life, Robert L (Bob) White after being set up on a blind date by mutual friends. Life with Bob brought many adventures and relocations and Dayne moved away from Houston for the first time of her life in 1984, living in Missouri City, Sulphur Springs, Austin, and Cedar Park all still in Texas. Bob preceded her in death in 1993 and Dayne remained in Cedar Park until October of 2015 when she returned to Houston after receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

Finally in 1996 Dayne assumed the new role of Nana as she joyfully welcomed her first Grandchild Christopher Luke Farmer, and her life changed forever. By this point in her life, she believed there were only three food groups: Diet Coke, Ice Cream…and everything else and Luke’s mom (Janet) had to consistently remind her that he needed a little more nutrition in his diet. As soon as Dayne learned that Grandchild number two was a girl, she retired because she couldn’t imagine letting that little girl go to daycare. Haley Elizabeth Farmer was born in 2003, and life’s full circle brought her right back to dance classes, hair bows and school events. And of course, more ice cream.

During her last fifteen years battling the Alzheimer’s devil, it was her daughter Leigh that assumed the role of primary caregiver, providing regular visits, taking her to medical and beauty appointments, financial management and fierce advocacy as she navigated this horrible illness and the insurance nightmares that came with it.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved Bob White and two siblings, Bonny Collins and Charles Evans Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Leigh Parish of Houston, Janet Prang (husband Keith) of Killeen, Sisters Charlotte Hethcoat of Sugarland & Carol Ann Hough of Houston, Grandson Luke Farmer (wife Cheyenne) of Killeen and Granddaughter Haley Farmer (fiancé Kolby Kirk) of Houston. Her illness robbed her of knowing that she was a Great Nana to Lance, McKayla and Athena all of Killeen. Dayne is also survived by countless Nieces, Nephews, Great & Great-Great Nieces and Nephews spread throughout the Country.

Her family will welcome all that wish to attend a short graveside service at 10:30 am on Friday, July 18th at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway where she will be laid to rest beside Bob where she wanted to rest in eternity.

She was deeply loved. She will be deeply missed.