Mary R. White

It is with heavy hearts yet immense gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved “centenarian” - Mary Ruth White, 100 years young, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. A cherished matriarch, she was the unwavering rock of her family, whose love, faith, and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who had the honor of knowing her.

Mary Ruth was born on March 29, 1924, to Arthur and Betty Raynor, who instilled in her the values of faith, kindness, and resilience that guided her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Betty and Arthur Raynor and her two brothers, Ed Raynor and Charlie Raynor, and her husband and the love of her life, Albert H. White, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage built on love, laughter, fun, and faith. She is survived by her younger sister, Sadie Raynor Jones.

A woman of remarkable grace and generosity, Mary Ruth’s life was a testament to her deeply held faith. She lived out the verse, Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” She was prayerful and faithfully covered friends and family in prayer. She didn’t just say “I’m praying for you” – She lived it daily. She was truly devoted to her prayer life.

Her infectious smile and joyous laugh brightened every room she entered, and her adventurous spirit ensured that she never met a stranger. She loved large and embraced all as family. Her travels brought her closer to people and places, but her heart was always rooted in her family and faith.

She created a warm, welcoming home where everyone felt loved and accepted. Mary Ruth shared everything with Albert including making their home a welcome environment for the military soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg through the years. Countless soldiers considered themselves a part of Mary Ruth and Albert’s family and their home a place of great joy where they could come for a hot meal, weekend, or holidays. Many of these dedicated soldiers have stayed in touch with the family through the years.

Mary Ruth found joy in life's simple pleasures—playing cards with loved ones, beach life adventures, and cherishing the companionship of the sweet dogs who were her loyal friends through the years. She was immensely proud of her family and all their accomplishments, celebrating their successes.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith for her large and adoring family:

Her son, Albert Lewis White (Buck) (Sherri), and his children Betty Dean Fueller (Stan), Albert Alan White (Susan), and Charles Timothy White (Shannon).

Her son, Arthur Lee White (Karen), and his son Derek White (Suzanne). Her son, Glenn Henry White (Judy), and their daughter Heather LaRue Foss (Ken).

Her daughter, Linda Faye Sheppard (Leonard), and her children Mary Lisa Spain (Rex), Thomas Martin Sheppard (Lisa), and Glenn Leonard Sheppard (Thai).

She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren:

From Buck’s family: Albert Adam White (Ashley), Taylor Alexander White, Matthew Makanaokalani White, Kayla Christine Long (Thomas), Chloe Elizabeth White, Andrea Michelle White (Nickolas), and Hayley Breanne White.

From Linda’s family: Lindsey Meredith Vaughn (Bryan), Amber Nichole Hood (Steve), Amanda Rena Spain, Raive Thomas Sheppard, Jack Ryan Sheppard (Emily), Thomas Morgan Sheppard, Molly Ruth Sheppard, and Joseph Glenn Sheppard.

From Arthur’s family: Emma Leigh White and Charlie Williams White.

From Glenn’s family: Trent Wallace Foss and Kiley Jo Foss.

And her cherished great-great-grandchildren:

From Buck’s family: Luana Kay White, Albert Aiden White, Leila Michelle Cardenas, and Levi Jose Cardenas.

From Linda’s family: London Lisa Vaughn, Finley David Vaughn, Jacob Scott Hood, Emma Lola June Hood, Alex Alan Ross Hood, Sadie Renee Heffelfinger (Matthew), Julia Leigh Hill, Paige Nicole Hill, and Ava Lynn Sheppard.

And her little great-great-great grandchildren:

From Linda’s Family: Adam Bleau Heffelfinger and Valerie Rose Heffelfinger

Her enduring love will remain a guiding light for her family as they honor her memory by living with the same kindness, faith, and joy she exemplified every day of her life. Mary Ruth’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 12:30 pm at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will begin at 1:30 pm under the direction of Pastor David Elks.

Pallbearers will be: John Duncan, Ken Foss, Mark Jones, Glenn Sheppard, Tom Sheppard, Rex Spain, Alan White, Charles White, Derek White

Honorary Pallbearers are: Trent Foss, Steve Hood, Raive Sheppard, Thomas Sheppard, Joey Sheppard, Jack Sheppard, Bryan Vaughn, Adam White, Taylor White, Matthew White, Charlie White

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church, 201 Anderson St.; Fayetteville, N.C. 28301 in Mary Ruth’s honor, celebrating her lifelong commitment to faith, family, and community.

For those who can not be here in person, please join us via livestream:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84620358980?pwd=snaxylqbo6zRZOty61uqCcI3bQfl5S.1

Meeting ID: 846 2035 8980
Passcode: 857424

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