Mrs. Delois Marie White

Mrs. Delois Marie White was born December 11, 1944, to the late Willie Kelley and Johnnie Becton, Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee. Her life began in Tennessee but, she would continue to grow and mature in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Delois' life was molded and shaped as she accepted Jesus Christ at the Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church in the East End section of Pittsburgh. Her love of music and mastery of the Alto voice part kept Delois in a choir at church and at school. Yes, at Westinghouse High School in Homewood, until her graduation, she was one of Mrs. Birdie Nicholson's songbirds! Delois' talented Alto voice was heard making harmony in the award winning performance choir. After graduation, Delois had interesting training and employment experiences. She worked participating in the beginning and evolutionary concept of "fast foods" at Winky's Hamburger Restaurant on Washington Boulevard. Her desire to increase her income moved Delois to a position at Papercraft Incorporated. At this company, Delois learned about paper products and their distribution. The soft spoken, determined assembly worker wanted a more professional environment and of course, a better salary so, she set her sights on the banking business. Delois was not much for conversation but made up for it in persistence. Committed to her professional advancement, her determination paid off when she landed a position in the Systems and Banking Department of Pittsburgh National Bank, the fore-bearer of today's internationally known, PNC Bank. Delois had achieved her goal of working in a corporate environment, joining the hustle and bustle of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her strong mathematics ability and quick understanding of business practices would be put to use later on in her young life. On May 29,1964, Delois married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Clarence White, Jr. Their union produced two daughters, Taris Ann and Jacqueline Delois. The young couple's pursuit for better employment drove them to move to the Maryland-Washington, D.C. area and then, finally to a beautiful home in Detroit, Michigan, Delois found comfort in the banking business and fit right into a familiar position at Manufacturers Bank of Detroit, Michigan. As time went on her business strength made her husband an "able partner" in the family's transportation business. The now "stay-at-home" Wife and Mother was also observant of the community and its need for reliable, safe childcare. With that in mind, Delois began her own day care service. Understanding area parents, the need for such a service, and because she was excellent in this endeavor; word of her service spread over Detroit, Michigan. Daytime visits to Delois' house allowed you to witness the stacking of blocks, organized playtime or, perhaps the result of an energetic morning: a row of pre-school angels lying down for a brief nap. Delois' contribution to parents' daytime peace of mind was the inception of education for many of Detroit's children. A number of whom returned to see and thank her. One could not find a better sister or friend in Delois. Her warm spirit and quiet manner would bring to mind the "Virtuous Woman" described in the Bible's book of Proverbs. An authentic person and miraculous lady, nothing escaped her. Learned and methodical, mathematics was her strong suit; puzzles and trivia brought her delight. Delois had a love for stories and today's television entertainment. She loved a good joke. Her smile was infectious and her riveting laughter made you laugh so hard along with her that you almost lost your breath. Her friendship was invaluable. Honest, trustworthy and loyal; secrets shared, were never told. You could trust her word and know that her support for you would never wane. Delois' presence brought a freshness and commanded respect at her arrival. On Friday, March 22, 2013, sadly, we would all learn of the world losing one of its true angels.

Mrs. Delois Marie White

December 11, 1944 - March 22, 2013