Una Irene White

Una Irene White, our precious “Little Mama” embraced the One whom she longed for on June 21, 2011 around 12:20 PM, just one day shy of her 92nd birthday. She realized the truth of the apostle Paul’s words “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” She was surrounded by her children and faithful dog, Teddy.

Una was born in an old mountain cabin in the Osage Hills west of Bartlesville, Oklahoma on June 22, 1919 to George and Minnie Mix Dennis. Because there was no doctor or midwife present, the birth was unregistered. This proved to be a hassle in later years but through time and effort a birth certificate was finally produced. The family eventually moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where she graduated high school in 1937. She then attended a Bible school in Cleveland, Tennessee where she studied business until the spring of 1938. She went to work for Shell Oil Company where she was the first female to be hired for a field office. She worked there for several years until she married Thomas Daniel White on April 21, 1946. She then dedicated her time and energy to taking care of her home and her family. Because of her husband’s pipeline work, the family of five moved often in an 8 x 40 ft. trailer house. Many times she remarked she wished she’d kept track of all their moves.

She enjoyed reading and learning new things, even going back to school after her children were older to earn her LVN license. She also took a photography class and enjoyed taking photos until poor eyesight caused her to give it up. Jigsaw and crossword puzzles were a favorite hobby. After her sister-in-law showed her how to play Freecell on the computer, it became a favorite past-time. She enjoyed reading blogs and found people’s opinions often humorous. Her children often bragged to their friends about her spunk in tackling technology, especially the internet. She even had a Facebook page.

As a child, she recognized her need for Christ and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She lived her entire life as a Christian. She loved God and His Word. In a written memoir, she wrote, “Although, as individuals, we travel a variety of roads through life, a road, no matter the terrain can be called ‘blessed’ if it ultimately leads us to one’s heavenly home.”

Her husband, Thomas Daniel White, preceded her in death in October 2008. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Andy White and wife Bea of Valentine, TX; Tommye Ross and husband Paul; and Shauna Hirth and husband David of Midland, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer and Thomas White of Grapevine, TX; Christie Carrillo and Daniel Dominguez of Midland, TX; David Clemmer and wife Abby of Kansas City, Mo; Doug Hirth of Midland, TX; Kimberly Jones and husband Billy of Arlington, TX; Zack Douglas and wife Elizabeth of Austin, TX; and Sammye Douglas Cockrell and husband Brian of Bremerton, WA. Also surviving is her first great grandchild, Andrew Malone Cockrell. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law’s grandchildren Danielle, Salena, and Natalie; as well as Danielle’s son, Damon of Midland, TX.

Services are scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 AM at Ellis Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Resthaven North.