Lessie White

All are welcome to attend a memorial celebration of her life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1050 Minda Lane, with Bishop Mack Moye officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Highway 277 South. The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2011, at the funeral home.

She was born Lessie Brooks on November 11, 1919 in Farrsville, Texas to Wash and Fronie Brooks; and as an added gift to her parents, she was born a twin --- twin sister, Jessie Brooks Cade. And, Lessie also had other siblings, four brothers and five sisters.

She grew up and attended school in Newton County, Texas where she eventually met and married her husband, Cornelius Strahan, and to this union nine children were born. Later in life, she married J.D. White who precedes her in death. Sister Lessie White and her family moved from their East Texas home, living in various cities of West Texas, before making Abilene her home; residing here thereafter.

Mrs. White worked in several fields, first in Abilene as a domestic housekeeper, cafeteria aide at Abilene High School, and as a genuine caregiver of people who needed her care, before she retired. A faithful member to her church, Mt. Moriah Baptist, Lessie was always meek, kind, caring, faithful, and dependable to the various posts she accepted. She was the President of the Senior Choir, Missionary Board, Sunday School Teacher, B.T.U. and warrior for the children, Deaconess, and secretary of the building fund. Mrs. White was so special for her spectacular pound cake and dressing.

Sister White leaves to cherish precious memories, her brother, Booker Brooks of Burkeville, Texas; her sister, Madie Booker of Jasper, Texas; four sons, Hersie (Geneva), Roy, Jimmy (Anita), and Johnny, all of Abilene; two daughters, Mary Carolyn (Dennis) of Houston and Elizabeth Johnson (Melvin), also of Abilene. Lessie also leaves forty grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of friends.

The family would also like to make honorable mention of her dear niece and nephew, Joyce and Dorie Coleman, who were highly significant in her life.

You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.