Love is…

Mrs. Gloria "Jean" White, quietly departed this life on Friday, December 25, 2020, at the age of 81, surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren and beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. John W. Kinney.

Jean was born on August 12, 1939, in Doswell, VA, to the late Blanche Mines King and William F. King. She was the ninth of twelve children. Jean attended Hanover County Public Schools and graduated second in her class from John M. Gandy School.

Jean was employed at the Ashland Shirt Factory and Owens & Minor for many years. However, like many of her sisters, she found her true calling working with and caring for children. She adored teaching and taught kids at Kiddie Kingdom, Auntie's Day Care, and as a home-based childcare provider. Jean was affectionately called "Grandma Jean" by many as she strongly believed it took a village to raise a child.

Jean accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as long as her health allowed. She was the head of the hospitality ministry and a member of the missionary ministry, the senior choir, and the Women's Sunday school class. She also served as church clerk and organized and created the Sunbeam Choir with Arnita Morris under Reverend D.J. Ragland.

Jean was united in holy matrimony to Beauford White on November 1, 1975, in Hanover, VA. Jean and Beauford were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with family. They instilled a strong sense of moral and spiritual guidance in all their kids, insisting on a strong work ethic and family involvement. Jean always ensured that her husband and children were well cared for and blessed with a stable home foundation. She demonstrated her love of the Lord in her care for her blended family. She did everything she could to support her husband and children. She managed the house, doled out discipline when needed, shot hoops with her children, and cared for her beloved flowers.

Jean was direct and always told the unbiased truth, regardless of who was right or wrong. She was always there to lend an ear or a helping hand. Jean loved her siblings deeply and was always on the go whenever they needed anything from fixing a meal to providing a ride to a medical appointment.

In life, Jean's motto was: "if there be any good deed I can do, let me do it without delay for I may not pass this way again," and she instilled in those around her that whatever you do, make sure you do it well and to the best of your ability. Jean leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted and caring husband of 45 years, Beauford White; three sons, Ronald, Jack (Edwina), and Antoine (Taryn); one daughter Carla; one adopted son, Sylvester; eight grandchildren, Nicole (Edwin), Stacey, Amber, Shari (Sean), Trey, Ayanna, Aeryn, and Tailor; one great-grandchild, Eden; one goddaughter, Alisha; four sisters, Sue Overton, Marian Carter (Jethro), LaVerne Jones (Thaddeus), Blanche Morris (John); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack DeBorous, Sr.; five brothers, William, Joseph, Henry, Eldridge and Mitchell; and two sisters, Catherine and Lillie.