Shirley Dawson White

She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on November 21, 1947 and raised by Richard and Mary Dawson, before eventually settling in Yorktown, Virginia. After Shirley earned her associates degree at Chowan College, she dedicated 21 years of dutiful service to the children of her community by working at York County Public Schools. Outside of work, Shirley was a faithful servant of God who attended Bethel Baptist Church, where she was part of the handbell choir.

Shirley was well connected with nature and was not one to sit down. She could be found hiking, biking, jogging, or just taking a walk. Over her years of hiking trails, she even hiked the Appalachian Trail (a total of 1,900 miles) and climbed the Grand Teton Mountain (13,775 feet). Shirley loved to tend to her yard at home, and her gardens were her sanctuary.

Her greatest adventure, however, was the life she built with her husband, Tom. They spent 58 wonderful years together and built a tight-knit family with two daughters and four grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, and ‘Mimi’ to her grandkids. She will be deeply missed by all of them.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Tom White, and her daughters, Amy Sucherman and Shelley O’Gorman. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Ivey, and her four grandchildren: Ainsley, Chelsea, Meghan, and Riley. Shirley is preceded in passing by her parents, Richard and Mary Dawson.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Shirley on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Rd, Yorktown, VA 23693.