Retha Mae White

Affectionately known as “Mama Re,” Retha was born on February 17, 1938, in Alpharetta, Georgia, the youngest of five children. She was raised in Sandy Springs and attended Liberty Guinn School. She grew up attending Sentell Baptist Church and later Mt. Paran Church of God.

In 1960, she married the love of her life, Cecil White. Together, they built a devoted and loving family. They welcomed their son, David, and daughter, Bridgette, and in 1962, their daughter Donna completed the family. Retha spent most of her life in the East Cobb area of Marietta, Georgia.

Retha was a compassionate caregiver, and anyone fortunate enough to be cared for by her knew her warmth and generosity. Her home was always beautifully decorated for every holiday, with preparations often beginning the very next day for the next celebration. She had a special love for shopping and collecting decorative seasonal treasures—fondly referred to by family as her “geegaws.” It was often joked that there was hardly room to set down a drink when visiting her home.

She was also a devoted dog mom to many beloved pets throughout the years, most recently Layla, who faithfully stayed by her side and now rests alongside Papa C.

Retha had a deep love for God and her family. She served for many years as a beloved Sunday School teacher and often expressed her longing to see Jesus and be reunited with loved ones who had gone before her, including her newborn daughter, Karen, and her firstborn son, David. Her family finds comfort in knowing they are together again—free of pain and rejoicing in heaven.

In her later years, Retha enjoyed keeping up with family and friends on Facebook and browsing online for the latest finds—often things she didn’t necessarily need, but always enjoyed.

She was deeply loved and will be forever missed by her beloved husband of 65 years, Cecil White; her daughters, Bridgette (Jim) Butler of Marietta and Donna (Don Stepanek) Cline of Milton; her grandchildren, Angela (Dustin) Lyle of Hickory Flat, Roy (Kate) Fleeman of Marietta, Nick (Mallory) Fleeman of Moreland, and Paige (Griff) Tatum of Woodstock; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Bella and Brennen Lyle; Charlie Mae, Max, and Jack Fleeman; Finn, Porter, Indie, and Rush Fleeman; and Ava James Tatum. She is also lovingly remembered by her beloved goddaughter, Jerrica Campbell of Palmetto.

Retha was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Cicero Wood; her brothers, Louie, Benton, and Donald; her sister, Suzie; her son, David; and her daughter, Karen.

Retha’s strong faith in God and her unwavering devotion to her family were the guiding lights of her life. Her love will continue to bless all who knew her.

We love you, Mama Re.