Frances White

Frances White, age 98, of Whitesburg, GA, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024. She was born on June 08, 1926, in Carroll County, Georgia. Daughter of the late Mr. Oliver Marion Lively and Mrs. Nettie Sue Davis Lively.

Frances a beloved servant of God, attended college, received her nursing training at the Georgia Baptist Hospital, and later worked in Shawmut, Alabama, where she cared for many in her community. Her journey into missionary work began when Comer Johnson invited her to the Nazarene Church, which connected her with Nazarene Missions. With their support, Frances applied to serve as a missionary.

In 1956, Frances was called to Swaziland, where she served faithfully as a missionary from 1956 to 1971. Her time there was marked by both joy and challenge, as she faced illness, including a bout with hepatitis, yet she never wavered in her dedication to the people of Swaziland. After her time in Swaziland, she earned college credits through the University of Alabama before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where she continued her service and faith.

Frances married Ray Levans, and the two shared 15 years of marriage. Together, they lived in an apartment until Ray’s retirement, after which they relocated to Glendale, Arizona. Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep while a missionary friend was staying with them. Frances found comfort in knowing her friend was present during that time. After Ray’s death, she moved back to Georgia, where she searched for a Nazarene church and found the Church of Nazarene in Douglasville, Georgia. She met J.W. White at the church and they married in September of 2000 and were happily married for 19 years until his passing. They enjoyed gardening and spending time together.

In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her two husbands, Ray Levans and J.W. White; and her three sisters, Margaret Patterson, Mozelle Waldrop, and Olivia Harper.

Frances leaves behind her loving daughter Cher White and her sister Helen Welden to cherish her memory. Additionally, she leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Whitley Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Frances White.