Jean Baran White

Mrs. Matilda Jean White of Vestavia Hills, AL, and more recently Pasadena, CA, died on Sunday, May 4, 2014 after a short illness. She was a native of Pennsylvania and a graduate of Uniontown Hospital Nursing School.

Born on a farm near the mining town of Uniontown, PA, and one of seven children, Jean went on to become a registered nurse and later a successful realtor in the greater Birmingham, AL area. After nursing school graduation, she took nursing jobs locally and then became a travelling nurse. She worked at hospitals in North Carolina, San Francisco, CA, and Phoenix, AZ, and finally decided to join her sister, Ann Howell, who had settled in Birmingham. In Birmingham, she worked for the American Red Cross for over 15 years.

In 1953, Jean met James Howard White, who was her upstairs neighbor. After a short courtship, the two enjoyed a remarkably happy 54 years together. Howard passed away on May 6, 2008. Together they had one daughter.

Jean was active in a number of local organizations, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and for 30 years she was secretary to the Birmingham Chapter of the American Ex-POW’s. In later years, she was an exceptional caregiver to her sister, Helen Voorhees, as well as her husband.

All who knew Jean recognized her charm, her sense of fun, her style, and deep desire to see people be happy. She was a take-no-prisoners canasta, dominos and Rummikub player. Her success at Bingo was legendary. She was much loved by her daughter and son-in-law, nephew, and her grandsons — all who will miss her deeply.

Jean lived a great life and passed knowing her family was happy and doing well, and that she was loved. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Anne Joyce; son-in-law, Doug Joyce; grandsons, Harlan and Callum Kuo; as well as several nieces and nephews, including John Howell and his wife Patti of Montgomery, AL, Mary Ann Salatino of Uniontown, PA, and Joe Baron of Dunbar, PA.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff and denizens of New Merkle House in Vestavia Hills for the years of pleasure, companionship, and support shared with Jean and her husband, Howard. Thanks also to the residents and caretakers of The Fair Oaks in Pasadena, CA, where Jean spent the last year of her life.

The family will greet friends one hour before the 12 noon Celebration of Jean's Life on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. Burial, Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matilda Jean White's honor to City of Hope. 1055 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90017, www.cityofhope.org.