Thomas White

Born on August 29, 1930 to (the late) Thomas White, Sr. and Anna Faulk-White, Thomas White, Jr. a.k.a. “Brother”, grew up in the countryside of Fair Bluff, North Carolina.  Thomas was one of eleven children, all of whom preceded him in death.  His siblings were: Christine White, Margaret White, Emma Ruth Wren, Bessie Lee Sheriff, Hamm White, Willie White, Charles White, Jimmy White, Dorce Ann White and Howard White.  Thomas attended Chadbourne High School in Chadbourne, North Carolina.  In 1952 at the age of twenty-two, Thomas married the love of his life Lottie Mae Powell-White.  Their union created a total of thirteen children.  

Seeking a change from the small town in which he grew up, Thomas moved to New York in the 1950s, and settled in Brooklyn.  He worked in a cup factory for numerous years.  He later grew fresh vegetables in an empty lot adjacent to his building.  People would come from all over Brooklyn just to get some of the fresh vegetables.  Later in life, Thomas began working at a pantry where he distributed food for needy families. 

In his leisure time, Thomas loved going on chartered fishing boat trips with his wife and sons.  After the passing of his wife, Thomas and his sons continued the tradition of fishing.  Thomas would get up in the wee hours of the morning to prepare for his fishing trips on a boat from Sheepshead Bay.  He was known to bring bologna sandwiches and hard- boiled eggs along to share with his family during the fishing trips.  Thomas also loved to cook.  He often stated with pride how he taught each of his sons to cook.  Thomas was a true New York Mets fan.  He never gave up on the hope that the Mets would one day win.

Thomas was called to eternal rest on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lottie; and seven of his children: Keno White, Paulette White, Betty White, Tommy White, Dorsan White, Allen White and James White.  He leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters: Annette White and Rosemary White; four sons: Dennis White, Leon White, Leslie White and Tony White; one son-in-law Darnell Lewis; four daughters-in-law: Jessie Short-White, Maria Nunez-White, Maria Jackson-White and Brandy White; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who loved him dearly.

As we celebrate “a life well lived”, we reflect on the life of Thomas White, Jr.  As we cherish the time spent and the love shared, we know that our joy is not lost.  It is only a memory away, for “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

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