Mary Alice White

On June 26, 1935, a precious daughter named Mary Alice Rutland was born to the late David Rutland Sr. and Odessa Mae Rutland. She was the third oldest of nine living siblings. Her parents, late husband Collie White, brothers Frank Rutland, Dave Rutland Jr, James Arthur Rutland, Walter Rutland, Clarence Rutland, and sister Betty A. McDowell all preceded her in death. Mary made her transition on Sunday, May 9, 2021 at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, FL. Education While growing up in Barnesville, GA, Mary attended Sand Hill Elementary School and Barnesville Industrial High School (7-12), where she graduated. While studying under Mrs. Grace Bush, she noticed great potential in her abilities and encouraged her to attend college. At the advice of Mrs. Bush and her parent's blessings, Mary was able to attend and graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Fort Valley State College, located in Fort Valley, Georgia (It is now Fort Valley State University) Additional studies were done at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Marriage Upon relocating to Florida. Mary met her husband, Collie White. After engagement, they were united in Holy Matrimony in June of 1961 by Reverend Peter L. Lias at Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church. Unto this union, two children were born.(Collie P. White and Valerie A. White) Career While pursuing a career in education, Mary became a full time teacher in the Head Start Program of Orange County for five years in Oakland, Florida. Shortly after, Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church started an aftercare and preschool program where she was employed for forty plus years as a classroom teacher. She also supervised before and after school students as part of her duties. Her career also included substitute teaching in Orange County Public Schools. Church Membership and Service After being baptized by Rev. Lias and becoming a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist in 1959, (now Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church), Mary served faithfully as the church Financial Secretary for more than 22 years. She worked under the direction of Rev. Peter L. Lias and Rev. S.J. Moffett. She was a member of the Finance Board who would oversee financial matters of the church. Her loyal membership and attendance at Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church continued for many years until she relocated to the Orlando area. After relocation, she worshipped with her son Collie and wife Heaven at Majestic Life Church. Hobbies and Enjoyment Arts and crafts were favorite pastimes when teaching and during her mid years of life. She enjoyed making craft items with her class to display in her classroom and at county exhibits for the pre-school program. Mary was also an excellent seamstress where she made everything from men's suits to simple garments. She often read the Bible and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Her love for traveling included annual Rutland-Parker Family Reunions to Florida and Georgia cities. There she would exhibit genuine love her relatives she had not seen in the past year(s). She would often visit Fort Lauderdale often to see her sister. There she met several friends through attendance at New Mt. Olive Baptist Church and on outings with The Brown Sugar Breakfast Club. In Loving Memory Mary leaves to cherish and celebrate her life and legacy, her son Collie P. White Sr. (Heaven)-Leesburg, FL, daughters Valerie A. White-Orlando, FL, and Pastor Gwendolyn Williams- Columbus, OH. Grandchildren-Collie P. White Jr., Kabreka White-Conwell , Ieasha White, Tonesha Blair, Shaia Blair, Tony Blair, Talanda Clark, Courtney Clark, Barbara Clark-Weatherspoon, and Pakemma Clark Saint-Fort. She was also blessed to have twenty-one great grands, one great-great grand, and several other grands that she loved dearly In the Orlando area. Siblings -Johnny C. Rutland (Yvonne)-Winter Garden, FL, Barbara A. Lumpkins (Joel)-Ft. Lauderdale, FL. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Mary Alice White

June 26, 1935 - May 9, 2021