POWELLSVILLE – Retha Blanche Mitchell White, 106, affectionately called “Mother White” or “Miss Retha”, peacefully made her transition to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at her residence in Powellsville, NC. She was the first of three daughters born to William Edward and Matilda Pittman Mitchell on February 20, 1909 in Bertie County.

Church was a major part of Mother White’s life. She professed her love for Christ at an early age, becoming a member of Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church. After marrying the love of her life, William Solomon Seymore White, she joined Wynns Grove Baptist Church, known today as Greater Wynns Grove Baptist Church in Colerain, NC.  Mother White lived a life in which we are sure God was pleased.  As Mother White’s life progressed through and beyond the century of years, she was President of the Deaconess Ministry for 30 or more years, president of the missionary circle, and many other capacities in the church.

She was generous with her time as she toiled from year to year. Mother White touched the lives of many, always doing her part. She was a meek and humble person who was dedicated to the work of the master. She loved the Lord and built a strong relationship with Him on a daily basis. She continued a long-life as an avid church worker who demonstrated her religious faith through her Christian service and her love for family and others.

The establishment of Mother White’s own family began with her marriage to Deacon William Solomon Seymore White. This union was blessed with five children: Rudolph, McCoy, Mable, Blanche and Mary.  Rudolph, McCoy and Mary preceded her in death.

Mother White lived a good life, supported by her late husband, children, the community and her church family.  She was a source of inspiration and a guiding light for the entire family of Greater Wynns Grove Baptist Church. In 2013, the gala room in the Dr. Thomas E. Lee Enrichment Center was named in her honor, Retha B. White Gala Room.

In addition to her two loving daughters, Mable and Blanche, she leaves to mourn her passing a very loving son in-law, Willis Peppers, 7 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 8 great great-grandchildren, a large number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a great contingency of loving friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Greater Wynns Grove Baptist Church in Colerain, NC.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Bishop Thomas E. Lee officiating.

Wilder’s Funeral Home Inc., 816 S. Commerce Street, Aulander, NC, is handling the arrangements.