Martha Louise Whitehurst White

Martha Louise Whitehurst White, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. She was 89.

She was born in Lake Wales and lived in the community her entire life. Her grandfather, C.L. Johnson, was one of the town's founders. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene Johnson Whitehurst and Joseph Slaughter Whitehurst, and by her brother, George L. Whitehurst. To recognize her family's accomplishments, Martha and her brother, George, were honored as Lake Wales Pioneers of the Year in 2003.

She was a graduate of Lake Wales High School and Florida State College for Women (now Florida State University). Martha taught English and Literature in the Lake Wales Public Schools for many years. A member of the Lake Wales United Methodist Church, she was active in the church's women's circle program and was one of the founders of the church pre-school program which is still active today. She was also one of the Trustees of the Lake Wales Library when it developed the present library facility.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Marvin P. White; and their five sons, Peyton and Emily White of Orangeburg, SC, Norman and Elaine White and Stephen and Wendy White of Lake Wales, FL, Gregory and Tammy White of Birmingham, AL, and Andy and Sara White of Vero Beach, FL. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Other survivors are her sisters, Joann Phillips of Jacksonville, FL and Thalia Hiers of Lake Wales, FL.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 17, 2009 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Lake Wales. Funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Friday, September 18, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales with Rev. Jeffery Kantz officiating. Interment will follow at the Lake Wales Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Memorial Fund, 230 North 5th Street, Lake Wales, FL 33853.

To view the webcast of her service, please click the link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/89978