The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. On July 5, 2017 Elsie Lee Newby White quietly slept away in peace after a short illness. Elsie was born October 1, 1925 in Ivor, VA to the late Arthur and Mary Newby. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, William R. White, her sons William Bill White, Chelsea Leroy White and Scott Kennedy White. She was the fifth of seven (7) children and was preceded in death by Rilla, Joseph, Bonnie and Ruth. Elsie joined Little Zion Baptist Church in 1939 and has been there ever since. She loved working in the church. She taught Sunday school for 60 years, sung in the choir, was president of Missionary and anything she was asked to do she was ready. Just as she was ready for whatever the Lord would have her to do here on earth, she was ready to go be with the Lord to still serve Him. Now outside of church, she was a member of Social Service Board for eight years, Secretary for Home Demonstration Club for two years and worked at Gwaltney for 42 years. Elsie and William worked tirelessly to rear and provide a good life for their family. They raised all the children to believe in God, work hard and abide by the golden rule. Family was very important to William and Elsie, also the church was just as important. They were deacon and deaconess for 62 years at Little Zion Baptist Church. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons Paul L. Newby (Delois) and Brandon White; one daughter Inetha Holmes; three daughter-in-laws Vera White Hunt, Smithfield, VA, Kathleen White of Newport News, VA, and Deborah White of Richmond, VA; one sister Julia Keys of Smithfield, VA; one brother Rev. Henry Newby of Hampton, VA. She also leaves eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Burial Date July 10, 2017
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Little Zion Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va. Viewing will be from 2-5pm on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at the chapel. Interment will be in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans cemetery, Suffolk, Va. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.