Edward Lee White

Edward Lee White was an incredible man. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and was the 4th of 15 siblings. His parents were James Henry White (also known as Buddy) and Lois Osby-White. On June 4, 1932 Ed was born and was raised in a loving home as well as with the knowledge of the Lord. Edward Lee White accepted Jesus Christ at a very young age and was baptized at Mary Evergreen Baptist Church in Gayles, Louisiana. As a young man, he attended Frierson Elementary and Secondary School and Booker T. Washington Senior High School in Caddo Parish. When he was in the eighth grade Edward became smitten with a young girl named Essie Whited. He loved her and even told her that one day he would marry her. Of course, she thought Eddie was just being silly, however, when he became of age, he kept his promise and proposed to his childhood sweetheart.

One week after his 21st birthday Edward L. White was inducted into the United States Army. He amassed nearly one and a half years of foreign/sea service. He was deployed to Austria and Germany where he specialized in Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gunnery. During this time he earned the rank of Private First Class and was awarded the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Following his separation from active duty, he concluded his service commitment in the United States Army Reserve.

Edward moved to California in 1955 and later married Essie Vera Whited on January 26, 1958. They raised 6 beautiful children together (four boys and two girls). He was employed with the City of Los Angeles’ Waste Water Collections Systems Department and retired in 1988 with over 30 years of service. He served as a Foreman Supervisor and served the City or Los Angeles well. Being a husband and father meant the world him, but being a man of God was his first priority. He believed strongly in the Lord and walked with God, living his life the way that God directed. Because he was so trustworthy and respected in the community, he served as a Deacon/Officer and Treasurer of every church where he held membership. Curry Temple C.M.E. Church was the most recent church where Edward held the positions as a Steward, Treasurer and Sunday School Teacher for more than 20 years, before his health started to decline.

He was a superstar basketball player in High School, an avid reader, a fisherman, great swimmer, and a bible scholar. He was an expert at card games such as; Bid Whist and the like. He really enjoyed running a “Boston” on any “puppies with long enough tails”, as he would say. Edward was a humanitarian and a comedian as well. No matter who you were, you couldn’t be around Edward Lee White without getting a laugh. He was a joy to be around and he loved and supported all of his children, no matter what they were doing; whether it was a baseball game, football game, dance recital, pageant, speech tournament, a graduation, or Track Meet. He was also a great cook and often provided gumbo, brisket, grilled meats, ”daddy meat”, and sandwiches for events. His food became widely known because when his red and white camper truck pulled up some people would literally drop whatever they were doing and run towards the truck as if the Ice cream man had just arrived. Edward had a huge heart and he was always willing to share whatever he had with others. He even opened his home to many that needed a place to stay. This is the true testimony of this great Christian man. Edward White was a just man, but to many, he was a hero. People really adored him and he always had lots of friends.

March 18, 2015 was an extremely somber day for many, because that was the day that Edward Lee White was called home to be with the Lord. Yes, he will be missed, but he would not want us to have sorrow in our hearts over his passing. Instead, he would want us to rejoice in knowing that he is resting in the arms of the Lord. Edward would want everyone reading this, as well as anyone who knew him, to celebrate his life by laughing, telling jokes and enjoying one another. He was a Christian man and he believed that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He lived a full life, he traveled the world and he made a difference. He provided for his wife of 57 years and his children every day of his life. He loved his brothers and sisters dearly and he truly cherished every moment that he shared with them.

He leaves to mourn his beautiful wife, Essie Vera White, his children and their spouses: Lillianita White-Brumfield, Edwin T. White (who proceeded him in death), Edward Andre White (Lisa White), Elliott Jerome White (La Vern White), Everett Sinclair White (Belinda White) and Edwonda White-Williams (Gary Williams); His grandchildren and their spouses; Lamar Brumfield, Edward Andre White II, (Karly White), Adrienne White, Brandon White, Chloe White, Naomi White, Everett S. White II, Isaiah Okoro, Phyllip Williams, Dimitri Noble II, and Nia Williams. His first and only great-grandson, Major Aidan Brumfield.

*His Honorary Daughter and Grandaughters: Jalene Edgerton, Jaleesa Moore (Melanie) and Jasmine Moore (Nova).

His surviving siblings and in-laws: Lillian Whitaker, John, Earl, Bernice Smith (Eddie-Smitty) Clotice Osby, Irma Jeanne McClure (David), Charles (Belverly), Florese Bright (Irving) and Doris Rainge. Siblings who proceeded him in death: Jarutha Bolen, Ola Mae Whitaker (Green Sr), Rev. Alvin (Hattie) and Howard (Helen), and Dennis Ray. He also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, his work family and his Curry Temple Church Family.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend. Edward Lee White fought the good fight. He stood for what was good and has now received his crown. May we all be grateful for his life and his legacy and hold his memory in our hearts … forever and ever.