Juanita "Earlene" White

Earlene was raised in Norfolk, Virginia. She left high school just before graduating in order to support two of her sisters and her mother, who was injured in an automobile accident. She found employment at the C&P Telephone Company as an operator, quickly moving up the ranks. She married Ernest White in 1956 and started to build a happy home and a life together. Although doctors told her she would never be able to have children, she nonetheless gave birth to four sons. When Earlene discovered she was pregnant with her first child, she left the Telephone Company, despite their pleas for her to stay. She embarked on a new pathway, dedicating herself to raising her family.

Earlene was active in her sons’ lives, serving as a room mother at school, supporting them in the Scouts and as a Band Parent for the Indian River Marching Braves. She enjoyed dancing, crafting intricate and exquisitely decorated eggs and playing games with her family. She especially enjoyed working in her yard and garden, her pride and joy (after her sons).

Earlene had a quick mind and a ready wit, both of which she used to the very end. She was a true raconteur, regaling all who would listen with fascinating tales of her remarkable life.

Earlene was a strong Christian. She and Ernie attended Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake then, more recently, Suburban Christian Church in Virginia Beach.

Earlene is survived by her sister Hilda “Sissy” and her husband (Benson “Cookie”). She was preceded in death by her mother, Hilda Harper, her father Earl Harper and her sisters Carolyn and Joan. Earlene is also survived by her sons and their wives: Ernest, Jr. “Buddy” (Anna), Anthony “Tony” (fiancée Cathy), Robert “Bobby” (Andréa) and William “Billy” (Cindy) and seven grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Jason (Amie), Nichole, Elise, Nicholas (Liz), Alex, Jesse (Cassidy), Ayden and Carter. Also surviving Earlene are a great-grandchild, Julian and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest.

Earlene will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will smile down from Heaven every time anyone who knew her plays a game, enjoys a dance or admires the beauty of a flower.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. On Monday, February 23, 2026, there will be a Funeral Service at 11:00 am, also at Rosewood-Kellum, followed by a reception at the same location. At 2:00 on the same day, family and friends may join a processional to Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road in Suffolk, VA 23434. Some kind remarks will be offered at 3:00 PM, after which Earlene will be privately interred. You may offer your condolences and share your stories at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.

The White family would like to thank the staff at Sentara Leigh Hospital for the loving care they gave Earlene in her last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Suburban Christian Church, 5132 Bellamy Manor Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.