Barbara McIver White

August 4, 1926 - August 22, 2024

Barbara McIver White, 98, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024.  Barbara affectionally called ‘Babs’ was a kind spirit who lived her life to its fullest.  She was born on August 4, 1926, in San Angelo, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Zadie Runkles McIver and Eldon Drue McIver, her brother, Don Rhoderic McIver, as well as her devoted husband, Elmer John White, Jr. Barbara’s surviving family include her three children, John R. White (Paula), Kimberly White Goodson (Guy), and Alyson White Ray (J.T.); grandchildren, Perrin White and Rhoades White (Weston), Molly Goodson and Will Goodson (Amy) and Talmadge Ray (Katie), Katie Ray-Mendoza (Jessica) and H.L. Ray; great-grandchildren, Margaret, Mary Wes, Emery White, Hamp and Tucker Goodson, Jack and Annie Ray, and Paloma and Silas Ray-Mendoza.

Barbara is also survived by her nieces, Jineen Bessire (Mike), Ann Walling (Bud), and Meredith Laycock (David) and nephew, Richard McIver (Lynda).

Barbara lived her early life in Texas moving from San Angelo to Hunt, to Austin, and finally to Dallas, where she met a young dentist from Beaumont, named E.J. White.  He was captivated by her wit and charm, and they married in 1950 starting their family life in Beaumont.

Barbara and E.J. were long time members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where she served on Alter Guild and worked in the church office.  She also was a member of the Beaumont Junior League and enjoyed working on projects that benefitted children.

Barbara thrived on meeting new people, and it was important to her that everyone felt welcome and at ease around her.  She loved the game of duplicate bridge as she applied the concepts of the game to her life by always wanting to learn and grow. Although friendly and cordial she was a spirited force once the cards were on the table. Besides people, Barbara had a special relationship with her dogs – big dogs, small dogs, yappy dogs, fluffy dogs, all of them gave her company and undeniable loyalty.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her growing family.  She shared her beloved Hill Country with her children and grandchildren by taking them to dude ranches and to her Hunt home where swimming, canoeing, tubing, and rope swinging in the Guadalupe River filled the days.  At days end, she loved dancing under the stars at her favorite rodeo and honkytonk, Criders.

The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to her dear friends at Calder Woods and support care: Dianne McNeil, LaToya Ware, Lou LeBlanc, DeDe Jones, Mae Paul, Skylar Rosetta, Shannon Drake, and Ronnie Sanders who stood by her until the end. We are thankful for the compassionate care from Dr. Jeremy Huff and Penny Sirmmons, Dr. Tim Colgan, Dr. Jonathan Gandy, as well as Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais and nurses at Harbor Hospice.

Barbara will be missed by all that knew her, but especially by her family.  A private family service is planned for a weekend in late September.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 4090 Delaware Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.

Committal

Broussard’s Crematorium
  • 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,

Comments (12)

    Andy and John Quigley says:

    Our prayers are with the White family as they endure the loss of their beloved matriarch. She was the sweetest friend and neighbor to all of us in Bellchase Gardens. She will be sorely missed.

    Betty Wells says:

    To the White family, I would like to extend my sincere and deepest condolences on you’re loss. I was so happy to have had her for a life long friend. Love Betty Wells

    Jimmie Jay Jackson says:

    Kimberly and Family,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Mother.  She was always one of my favorites.  I enjoyed visiting with her years before going to Calder Woods to see my Mother.  Barbara was a lady and a class act. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Let your positive memories get you through the rough places along the way.  Bruce and I thought so highly of your parents.

    Robert (R.O.) Williams, Jr. says:

    To all the White family……our years ( Patsy and mine) go back to before your parents marriage when my wife, Patsy (now deceased) started working for E. J. just after high school; he watched our romance and marriage in 1953; met your Mom when they were dating, etc….and we were always friends with them….then, prostate cancer brought us together again as we all became part of the support group from Gift of Life…We always adored your Mom and Dad as they were always so glad to see us again from time to time…they were both marvelous individuals in every step of life….but….regardless of age or condition of health, we are never ready to say BYE to those we love…part of our heart goes into eternity with them….cherish all the fun times life gave you as a family …you have been greatly blessed..
    With a hug for each
    R. O. Williams, Jr. (Austin, Texas)

    Sam Fisher says:

    She was always pleasant and very kind when I spent time over at their home.
    Prayers For The Family

    Camela Jones says:

    My Heart Is Saddened By The Passing Of Mrs Barbara White🥲❣️🙏🏾She Was A Beautiful Person Inside And Out….She Will Definitely Be Missed!Rest Well Beautiful You Fought A Good Fight.. Prayers For Comfort And Understanding For The Family 🙏🏾🙏🏾💕
    Camela Dede Jones

    Latoya Ware says:

    It was my pleasure to care for babs she will be greatly missed! Love you guys tremendously! Thanks for everything

    Perrin White says:

    Miss you already, Babs! 🫶🏻

    Cindy Tanner says:

    John, Sally, Alyson and families, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Will be thinking of you all in the days to come and hoping your sadness turns to happiness as you remember the fun and joy she brought to you all.

    Cindy and Mike Tanner🩷

    Phyllis Apple Sample says:

    I’m so sorry to hear about your mom Alison. What a marvelous life she lived! She was a grand lady – that whole”Apple Gulch” group was. My prayers are with you and your family. Love Phyllis

    Cathy Apple Murphy says:

    To all of you,
    Your Mom was (is) such a beautiful woman and spirit – she was the sparkling light in a room! Yes, she was so very inclusive and jovial … she and my Mom adored each other.
    I cherish the entire family memories we made in Hunt and Beaumont especially.
    Love ❤️ to all of you.
    She was one of a kind! 🙏🙏🙏

    Sarah and Jerry Haggstrom says:

    Blessings to all of your family! I know she held a big spot in your heart and I know how dearly you cared for her even at long distance. She taught you how to be a great mom and grandmother so her legacy will live on and on. We love you!

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