Berma White

Berma WhiteBerma White of 123 Walnut Street, Suffolk, VA died Monday, November 24, 2014 at her residence.Berma Lee Howell White, 84 of Suffolk, Virginia left her Earthly Journey in this world to go to her new Heavenly Home with God on Monday, November 24, 2014 at her home. Berma was born in Nansemond County Virginia (now Holland section of Suffolk Virginia, near Franklin), on Tuesday, January 14, 1930 to the late Phillip Howell and Rebie Wiggins Howell (Whitehead). Her Stepfather was Mr. Bennie Whitehead. Berma attended school in Nansemond County and was a 1947 high school graduate of Nansemond County Training School (NCTS - now Southwestern School). She was the Valedictorian of the senior class. After high school she attended Virginia State College Ettrick, Virginia (Petersburg). While at Virginia State, majoring in home economics, emphasis in secondary education, she was active in various organizations. In the fall of 1948, she was initiated (made) into the Phi Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Virginia State College.Further studies included Virginia State College (University), Norfolk State College (University), College of William and Mary, University of Virginia, and Old Dominion University.Upon graduation from Virginia State College in 1951, she ended up moving to Boston Massachusetts with a long time friend, Lillian Haywood, where she worked briefly for Gilchrist Department store as a debit clerk. Berma left Boston and returned to Nansemond County to begin teaching at NCTS under the principalship of Mr. Hannibal Howell. While at NCTS she met a fellow co-worker, Mrs. Adeline Newsome, who later introduced Berma to her brother, Berma’s future beau and husband. On July 15, 1953, Berma was married to the late Columbus J. White, Sr. in Chicago IL, where they briefly lived before returning to Nansemond County (Suffolk) VA. To that union, were born two children, Lisa and C. J. White, Jr. They were married over 30 years until his death in 1984.Berma retired from Suffolk Public Schools after 34 ½ years of teaching. She was a teacher at the following schools: Nansemond County Training School – NCTS, East Suffolk Elementary School (three times), Mt. Zion Elementary School, Chuckatuck Elementary School (at Integration), and retired while at Booker T. Washington Middle School. Mrs. White was baptized through and was a former member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia (Holland). She later joined East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA under Dr. C. J. Word in 1964, and was a 50-Year Member. At East End she participated in the 100th Anniversary Program Celebration under the former Mark A. Croston, and was a member of the Bible Class II. She was a member of East End until her death.Berma was a 66 year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was initiated in 1948 at Virginia State College (Petersburg, VA), Phi Chapter. In 1967, she along with several others chartered the Epsilon Theta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Suffolk, Virginia. Throughout the years she held various titles in the sorority, attended many conferences, and hosted numerous meetings. She was particularly known for her wisdom and skills at poetry, as she wrote many poems for sorority events and functions. She was a faithful member and attended meetings frequently until unable to do so in later years due to age and her declining health. Although she was unable to attend, she always kept Zeta close to her heart, and always knew, “When Zeta calls, we’ll answer one and all.” Berma White was the widow of the late Columbus J. White, Sr. She is survived by two children, Mona White Cooper (Michael Cooper) of Mitchellville, MD and a son Columbus J. White, Jr., C. J., of Suffolk., VA. She has one grandchild, Joseph P. Cooper of Mitchellville, MD. Berma has one loving and caring sister, Mrs. Bertha M. Holland of Suffolk, VA. She is also survived of a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Berma received much special care and comfort from her long time outside care givers, Geraldine Darden, Carolyn Shakur and her helper Gerald Copeland along with much love and support from her children. Funeral Services for Berma White will be held Friday, November 27, at 1:00 PM at East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, Virginia with the Rev. William E. Newsome delivering the Eulogy. Dr. Wayne Faison is the church senior pastor. Interment will be in the Mount Sinai Baptist Church Cemetery, 6100 Holy Neck Rd., Suffolk Virginia (Holland)Funeral arrangements are pending at Crocker Funeral Home.Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Berma White, please visit our flower store.