Mary (Wadsworth) White

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I lived my life and done my best,
an example I've tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond the light
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to that warm and loving light.
I want to go, I really do,
it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can 
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me 
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid,
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and I hope you'll always know.
That my spirit will be close to you 
Where ever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me
and know that I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
"Because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Mrs. Mary Wadsworth White was born on January 22, 1937 in Marianna, Florida.  She was the daughter of Alto Sr., and Versie Lee Hayes Wadsworth. Upon the death of her mother, she was raised by her paternal grandmother (Mary Whitten) who had a profound impact on her life, her work ethic, and her understanding of family.

Mary graduated from Jackson County Training School, class of 1955. She worked in New York for many years before joining the love of her life in Dallas, Texas in 1962. There she remained until her health began to fail, at which time she decided, “I want to go home” and she returned to Marianna, Florida in 2017. She went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday January 1, 2019.

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to her soulmate, Jake Sim White in 1964. They were married nearly 55 years. She was a devoted wife, sister, Aunt, friend, and mother to many. She graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree from El Centro Community College and was an avid learner. She believed in education and encouraged everyone she met to “get that piece of paper.” She was a Licensed Barber and was a woman ahead of her times in many ways, and extremely ambitious. Mostly, she loved her family and believed in helping her family to get ahead in life. Her motto was, “blood is thicker than water.”

Mary was an avid member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas.  She joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in 1965 where she was an active member and involved in the women’s mission ministry, and usher, and was a devotional leader. She loved to sing and was a proud member and supporter of her church and church family. Mary retired from Texas Instruments as a Production Line Supervisor in 1999 after 35 years of service. She was proud of the advancements that she made as a woman while working at Texas Instruments and made many lifetime friends during her tenure.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mr. Jake Sim White on January 24, 2018; in addition, two brothers preceded her in death, Alto Wadsworth, Jr. and Eddie Ellis, Sr., and her sister-Henrietta Wadsworth Page on April 21, 2018.

She is survived by her loving and devoted sister: Christine Wadsworth Johnson (Marianna, Florida); special nieces: Kimberly Wadsworth, Jerrai Vance Young, Linda White, and Kezia Gold; sisters-in-law: Betty Ellis; Mamie Hill of Quitman, Mississippi and Annell Wilson (Leroy) of Marianna, Florida; brothers-in-law: Retired Colonel (R) Ulysses X. White of Manassas, Virginia, Amos L. White of Cape Coral, Florida, James C. White (Katherine) of Miramar, Florida and Theroy N. White (Mildred) of Dallas, Texas; and numerous nieces: Sheila Jefferson, Erika Johnson Pringley (Fred), Inella Coleman, and Linda White; nephews: Crushell Weston, Vincent Page (Sylvia), Eddie Ellis, Jr. (Linda) and Theroy White Jr., and a host of great nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and special friends: La Florence Long (Marianna, Florida) and Ruby Cartwright (Dallas, Texas); special nephews: Gerald Vance and William Long, Jr., and special cousin Dr. Roymonia Wilson (Elder Richard). She also leaves a loving aunt, Dorothy Stevenson (Alabama); numerous other relatives and friends.

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