Mattie Mae Busby White

Mattie Mae Busby White, the daughter of William Mozell Busby and Daisy Bell Lewis Busby was born January 7, 1944 in Hampton County, the little big town of Estill, South Carolina. At a young age, she relocated to Florida and attended Phyllis Wheatley High School, graduating in the class of 1964. After High school, she went on to attend cosmetology school, receiving her certification in cosmetology. She was united in marriage to Calvin Hubert White, Sr. on October 18, 1966. To this union, two wonderful children (1 son and 1 daughter) were born. The Life Mattie was The First Lady of Our White House…She began fighting the fight, by making a stand as a young civil rights activist doing sit-ins, protesting for the people of color, women’s rights, and family. She was instrumental in making the workplace better for the MUA production team, and helping many young, actors, actresses, and performers to have a voice. As an educator and business owner in her industry, she stood tall. She was the listening ear, caretaker, shoulder to lean on, humorous, making jokes, and not afraid to cry. Being backstage, the love the respect that was shown was breathtaking. The performers called her mom. “Hold up that is my Mommy!” She realized that they loved her support, guidance, and family values. The love of family, friendship, and hard work were her framework for life. Her life story and faith have touched many along the way. The Legacy (Things She Will Be Remembered By) Florida State University, her name is forever engraved in brick on the campus in front of The Wescott Building…OTIAM. Love and commitment to family and the love of her life Calvin, her husband. The vacations, exploration of history. Spontaneous trips/rides, quality time spent with others, and the strength and courage to be who she was in spite of. Being a part of a community where you knew your neighbors by name and their kids knew and respected her. Even as adults checked in to speak and chat for a while. Her gentleness, love, laughter, spirit, her faith (singing, humming the way God spoke through her). How she would dance, smile, and touch those she met along her life’s journey. The work over twenty years in cosmetology and make-up artistry for every hairstyle, show, film, and production. Influenced multiple salons as an Instructor at Orlando Beauty Academy, and 23 years at Walt Disney World. The young performers (characters) that she embraced and entrusted her with their memorable conversations and heart-to-hearts (Mother Mattie/Mom). The celebrities that she encountered along her journey who became her friends and admired her skills, trusted her talent to create and develop make blends of make-up that were not available included, Angela Bassett, Courtney Vance, Phylicia Rashad, Bobby Jones and the Gospel singers, Whoopi Goldberg, Lezza Gibbons, Danny Glover, Melba Moore, Pat Clooney, MJ, Whitney Houston and many more. No matter when or what was happening, Mattie always took the time to listen to our problems with no judgment but a dose of TRUTH SERUM. Although short in stature, she stood tall and was no pushover. She would let you know and keep it moving. It was her absolute joy and blessing to give without regret, to make one feel confident, and beautiful, to see their purpose, and provide the freedom for one to be oneself. Mattie was preceded in death by her Parents: William Mozell Busby and Daisy Bell Lewis Busby, Brothers: William M. Busby, Jr. and Perry Busby; Sister, Jeanette Busby, Sister-in-love. Shirley Florence Busby; Close Aunt, Elouise, Uncles: Robert Lee Farmer, Arther Lee Busby, Franklin Busby, and Mathew Busby. She leaves to cherish her memories: Husband of 57 years, Calvin H. White Sr.; Children: Deidre D. White and Calvin H. White, Jr. (Katina), all of Orlando, FL; 7 Grandchildren ,17 Great Grands; Siblings: Wille Busby (Lena), Freddie Busby (Mary) Libbie Florence (Aurthur), Marion Johnson (Homes); Siblings-in-Love: Brenda Williams, Larry (Agnes) Mobley; Aunts and Uncle, Vernice Hamlin, LH Busby (Janie), and Clara Mae Gonzalez; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mattie Mae Busby White

January 7, 1944 - December 2, 2023