Sue W. White

Sue Worthing White was born Doris Sue Worthing on September 5, 1928, to Louie Fabian Worthing and Sallie Louise Bolton in Wharton, Texas. Sue grew up enjoying the pleasures of small-town life: eating ice from the ice truck, going to parties at Cousin Lily’s house, heading into town each weekend to see a “picture show.” Sue loved her Daddy, her grandmother (Big Mama), her many kind aunts, and her dog, Fella.

Sue received a grand piano from her parents when she was seven – and she became a most diligent student. A talented pianist and vocalist, Sue went on to receive a music degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Sue opted to skip out on her college graduation ceremony – and got married instead. She and her handsome new husband, Wayne White, soon moved to Wharton, where Wayne began a long and rewarding career with Texas Gulf Sulphur Company In Wharton, Sue and Wayne were busy parents to their two young daughters, Sally and Cindy. The Wharton years were productive and happy: Sue led Girl Scout troops, taught music at Jack & Jill Kindergarten, directed the children’s choir at church, and sewed countless outfits for Cindy and Sally and their dolls.

In 1965, Sue gave birth to a third daughter, Cara, and the family moved shortly thereafter to Connecticut. As soon as Cara went to kindergarten, Sue became a substitute music teacher, and later taught piano lessons out of her home. Christmas was not Christmas without the wonderful piano recital staged in the living room, followed by a party featuring M&M cookies and Texas Sheet Cake.

An avid map-reader, Sue loved taking the family on road trips between Connecticut and Texas. She enjoyed a lively game of Bridge and tennis, and was never bashful about pummeling her daughters in a fierce game of Solitaire or Patience. Though she always considered Texas to be “God’s country,” Sue especially enjoyed the fall colors of New England, and, while the natives huddled inside waiting for the roads to thaw, Sue never let ice or snow stand in her way.

Sue was a beautiful woman and loved elegant clothes and surroundings. She always enjoyed the company of men. Sue could be fierce-minded and demanding, but inside, she had the heart of an affectionate, giggly young girl – and it was that heart that made her a beloved teacher and grandmother.

After retiring to Austin, Sue became active in the Symphony League, Settlement Club, North West Hills Garden Club, and the Texas Exes. Sue quickly became passionate about genealogy – and she and Wayne made many reconnaissance trips throughout the South, visiting courthouses and cemeteries and making new friends along the way. Sue’s greatest joy, however, was taking care of her grandchildren.

In her final years, Sue enjoyed the company of her special friend, Neil. Though the progression of her Alzheimer’s was cruel and unrelenting, Sue fought to remain independent as long as she could. The family wishes to thank two angels, Victoria and Joan, for helping Mom live her final days with dignity and grace.

Survivors include three daughters, Sally Beck, Cindy White, and Cara Lowrimore; son-in-laws Jim Nutto and Chris Lowrimore; grandchildren Meagan Hamblen, Amanda and Tyler Beck, Brigeda Hernandez, Anna and Baxter Lowrimore; and one great-grandchild, Sawyer Hamblen

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M on Thursday, Dec. 29th in Wharton. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, Dec. 30th at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Covenant Presbyterian. Church (3003 Northland Drive Austin, TX 78757) or Alzheimer’s Association of Austin (3429 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731,)