Debra White

Debra White, 61, died peacefully on May 9th, 2018 in Brookhaven, Georgia after succumbing to breast cancer. An incredible woman, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, her memory will be cherished by all who loved her, near and far.

Debra was born to the late Earline and James A. White on November 22, 1956 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was raised in a large family with eight brothers and sisters and an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her three daughters, Ebony White of New York City, NY; Jasmine Murray of Oakland, CA; and Yvette White of Oakland, CA; one grandson, Asa White-Hinman of Oakland, CA; three brothers, Joseph (Ozebie) White, James C. (Darlene) White, Willie Gene (Lynn) White; three sisters, Wanda Lynn (Elvin) Canady, Geraldine White, Louise Wells; and a large, extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Debra lived a full and beautiful life. Originally from Arkansas, she enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1978 and from there embarked on a successful career in the healthcare field that took her from Arkansas to Mississippi, Spain, Colorado, and finally, Georgia. For nearly 40 years she provided the highest quality patient care working as an x-ray, radiation therapy, and mammography technician. She loved working directly with patients and, in addition to providing quality oversight, she continued to work the floor and perform mammograms until she retired. In addition to her work in the field, she supported breast cancer awareness through annual fundraising and participation in Atlanta’s Susan Komen Race for the Cure.

A creative woman with many, many talents, Debra was always willing to help; always willing to give and share; to support and lift her family, friends, and colleagues whenever and wherever. Virtually everyone was on the receiving end of one of her creative pursuits whether an outfit, a quilt, a beautiful handmade doll, homemade caramel corn, or the best-ever-lemon-pound cake --all of it "Made with Love, By Debra". Although she has departed, her love, generosity, and creativity continues to live on through her children and grandchild.

Family and friends, many of whom were adopted as family, were very important to Debra. She loved to host and entertain -- baking, cooking, and beautifying her garden for the next get-together or celebration. She also enjoyed travelling and spent much of her free time visiting her daughters and grandson in New York City, Washington DC and California. She also enjoyed the many road-trips taken throughout the South to see family. Time spent back in her hometown of Hot Springs Arkansas was especially loved.

During the final months of her life with cancer Debra was surrounded by family members and good friends. The memories shared will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at The Farmhouse at McCullough in Warner Robins, Georgia at 4:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in memory of Debra to Center for Black Women’s Wellness or The Lucy Fund for Metastatic Cancer Research