Mary Helen Pope White

Mary Helen Pope "Granny" White born November 24, 1934, 91 yrs ago in Shreveport, LA to parents Clarence C. Pope, Sr. and Kate Helen Blume. She passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home February 14, 2026, with her loving husband of 71 years, James Felix White "J.F." Jr by her side.     

There is so much to be said about a lady like Mary Helen. She attended St. Vincent's Academy in Shreveport before finishing her Sr. year at Byrd. J.F also graduated from Byrd in '52, but they did not meet until attending La. Tech. They fell in love, married and lived in the "married dorm", while they finished their studies. J.F. Played center field for the baseball team and she never missed a home game. They were married by her brother Clarence Pope, Jr at St Mark's Shreveport September 1, 1954. They were part of the first member families of St George's Episcopal Church, Bossier City, which was originally started as a mission by her brother in 1959. She was a dedicated member and servant of St. George's for over four decades where she raised her four sons and witnessed several of her grandchildren get baptized . Mary Helen and J.F. were part of many wonderful services and events at St. George's and had countless friends who were also dedicated to the well being of the church . Her final years of church attendance were in Minden at St John's Episcopal Church, they formed many friendships there as well.

Mary Helen loved to cook and host family dinners over the Holidays, especially Thanksgiving when Kay and Bob would come. The famous Bloody Mary's started at 10 A.M. She was always happy when surrounded by her grandchildren and later her great grandchildren. She loved their lake house on Lake Claiborne and enjoyed hosting the family for summer holiday cookouts and water sports. She last water skied at age 70. She enjoyed her flowers and bird watching which she was able to do up until recent months.

She was a best friend, a lovely wife, caring mother and wonderful "Granny". She will always be loved and remembered by all that knew her.

Preceding her in death, brother, Rite Rev. Clarence C Pope, Jr., sister, Patricia Pope Laenger.

She is survived by J.F., husband and best friend, four sons David (Lenae), Mark (Marilyn), Chris (Pam), and John (Tanya): Grandchildren Lane (Sara) White, Haley White (Mitchel Johnson), Hannah (Joe) Faith , Cameron (Jordan) White , Austin White (Katlin Lindsey), Hayden (Taylor) White, and Mary Madison White: Great- grandchildren Charlotte, Myles, Colson, Griffin, Jamie, Harper, Callen, Theo , Kennedy and Emersyn. Sister in law (really the best sister and friend anyone could have) Ellen Kay White, husband Bob Jones (Sonoma, CA), sister in law Martha Pope, MD.

J.F. and the family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all the loving care provided over the years including from :Dr Mark Provenza, Dr Paul Cole, Dr Pat Deere, Dr Umer, Matt Coleman PA-C. In home caregivers who made it possible for Mary Helen to remain in the comfort of home, Christine, Rita, Erica, Helen, and Tommie .

Special thanks to Mary Brown for all of her dedicated legal help at David's office and the long term friendship.

The visitation will take place Saturday, February 21, 2026 1pm at Hillcrest Haughton, with funeral at 2 pm with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or another children's charity of choice

Pallbearers: Mark White, Lane White, Cameron White, Austin White, Hayden White, Mitchel Johnson, Joe Faith, Brian France, Patrick Lawrence, Miles "Butch" Parnell.

Honorary Pallbearers: Bill Smiley, Bob Jones, Cullam Pope, Howard Sutton, Hal Sutton, Phil Risher, Robert Brubaker

Service will be directed by Fr. Wayne Carter and assisted by Fr Robert Dandridge.