Lila Mae White

Lila Mae Gadison White, was born November 10, 1936 in Montgomery, Alabama, to Elevester Gadison Sr. and Willie Bell Hendrix. She was the third of five children: Alma Gadison, Elvester Gadison Jr.,who preceded her in death (1993), Paul Gadison, who also preceded her in death (!940) and Mabel Gadison. Lila was raised by both of her parents, until her mother passed away July 10, 1944. Her older sister Alma helped care for her siblings, along with her father while he worked for the Railroad. In 1951, her father married Emma A. Portis, and they remained married until her untimely death May 30, 1986. Lila grew up in church and accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized and became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, and attended faithfully.

Lila’s educational journey began in the Montgomery school system. She graduated from Caver High School in 1953 and began her pursuit for a degree and a career at Alabama State College. As a college student, Lila worked very hard. She majored in Elementary Education and received her Bachelor of Science degree, August 12, 1960. A few weeks later (August 25, 1960), Lila also earned her Teacher’s Certificate from the State of Alabama, Department of Education. Lila did work in Alabama as a teacher, but soon moved to Mississippi.

In August of 1961, while teaching in Meredian Mississippi, Lila met the man that she would spend the rest of her life with, Willie C. White. They met at a teacher gathering and in just four short months, they were married on December 31, 1961. They remained happily married for 58 years until his death in 2020. Shortly after their marriage, Lila and Willie took a leap of faith and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. While in Phoenix, Lila acquired her Teacher’s Certificate September 19, 1962 and taught as a substitute teacher for the Phoenix Arizona educational system until she discovered that she was carrying her first bundle of joy. While Willie was still pursuing his Master’s degree, Mr. and Mrs. White moved to Tempe Arizona, where Wilbur Clifton White was born June 10, 1963. After receiving his Master’s, they moved to Tehachapi, California where Willie taught Science at Tehachapi State Prison for one year.

Later, the Whites moved to Los Angeles, where they both were employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Lila received her California Teaching Credential December 7, 1963 and she taught for two years. During this time, Lila discovered that she was carrying her second child. October 7, 1965, their second child, Wanda Charlette White was born. Two years later in 1967, Lila received a Specialized Credential in Elementary Education and a Minor in Special Education. She also received her Life Time Teaching Credential April 5, 1970. Lila taught elementary school her entire teaching career. She taught at 107th Street School, in Los Angeles; Mar Vista Elementray School, in Venice, Ca.; and Meyler Street Elementary, Torrance, Ca. until she retired.

When they first arrived to Los Angeles California, Lila and Willie, began their search for a god-fearing, thriving and community serving church home. They found Southwood Missionary Baptist Church, and attended faithfully until the Lord called them home. Lila attended Sunday School, bible study, and evening church services. She was also a Deaconess; the director of the Junior Choir; a member of the Pastor’s Aide; the Art Teacher for Vacation Bible School; a member and officer of “The Willing Workers”, and always lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Throughout her lengthy battle to recover from her stroke, Lila never ceased to thank God for each day He gave her life. She was always so polite and loving. It was evident that the word of God had been forever imprinted in and throughout her life. Lila’s faith in God and serving as a true servant, surpassed her earthly accomplishments. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with as well as those she reached, but never met.

Lila is survived by her loving family: son Wilbur Clifton White (Jacqueline); and daughter, Wanda C. White. Her two sisters: Alma Gadison Gipson, Columbia, SC; and Mabel Gadison Fanroy, Nashville Tennessee. Her two sisters-in-law: Toni Avery East Vale, CA., Doris Olney (David), Oregon,. Her wonderful grandchildren: Wendell Sr.(Kharimah), Oscar III, Ricky Jr., Aaron (Jeri), Daron, Alicia, Austin, Cassius and Jeremy. Her twelve great-grandchildren: Wendell Jr., Xavier, Aiden, Hailey, Adrian, Sahara, Aaron M. Jr., Kimara, Aaron P. Jr., Kayden, Kingston and Zuri. Her godsons: Phillip Miller Sr.(deceased); Keith Miller (deceased); Vaine Caldwell Jr.; John Caldwell (Heather); Jules Horowitz; Cartheau Jordan III; Keith Simon; Derrick Simon;. God daughters: Mariyah Horowitz, Sophia Horowitz, Staci Simon, and Kristin Simon. Her nephews: Marc Gadison; Byron E. Gipson; Mack Christopher Gipson; Cleveland L. Moorehead (Chanel); Robert Moorehead (Rebekah); Brian Moorehead (Isela). Her nieces: Deborah Gipson Young; Jackie Gipson; Traci Avery; Yvette Moorehead Briggs; Bernadette Moorehead and a host grand nieces, nephews, beloved relatives and close friends she encountered along her journey.