Bernadette White

In Tribute to a Life Lived

Bernadette White was born on March 31, 1959 to the union of Isaiah White, Jr. and Luvenia Robinson White of Dallas, Texas.  Bernadette had a wonderful childhood—enjoying life with her parents and five siblings.  She attended school in the Dallas Independent School District: Lisbon Elementary, Boude Story Junior High, and graduated from South Oak Cliff (SOC) High School in 1977.  Bernadette’s school years were filled with learning, laughter, and fun.  She made many life-long friends in school that she cherished until her sunset.

Bernadette attended Mountain View Community College and then Sam Houston State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.  Upon matriculation, she became a Probation Officer with the Dallas County Probation and Parole office.   She discovered her true passion when she became a Counselor for trade schools.  This led to her pursuing and obtaining her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling and Guidance from Howard University. Bernadette spent the remainder of her professional life as a High School Counselor and Counseling Department Supervisor in Washington, DC and then Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.  She also provided her expertise as a part time Professor at Montgomery College.  Bernadette shaped many young lives but none more special than that of her daughter, Joell Royal.  Joell, you are so special and the lessons you learned from Bernadette helped shape you into a powerful force, who will impact the world greatly. 

Bernadette was a faithful member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she was initiated in the Kappa Mu Chapter at Sam Houston State University.  She served as a Delta Internal Development (DID) Trainer and Membership Intake Training (MIT) Trainer for the Federal City Alumnae Chapter. In addition, she served as a member of the Eastern Region Arts & Letters Committee.  Her special sisters of the Federal City Chapter and Unique Dimensions of DST Kappa Mu chapter shared life with her through the joys, successes, and challenges.  They were by her side every step of the way, and we are eternally grateful for their care of our dear sister.

Bernadette’s community service interest included serving on the Board of Directors for the Phyllis Wheatly YWCA for 10 years. She served as the Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Chaired the Scholarship Program and Mid-Summer Soiree, and assisted in the coordination of the Black History Month presentation for the organization. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing the Annual Scholarship Program, which is offered to DC youth, who display talent for the arts and a commitment to community service, both being things that Bernadette truly valued.

Bernadette loved to worship and praise God.  She accepted Christ at an early age and spent her formative years at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Baptist Training Union (BTU.)  Bernadette continued her fellowship as a young adult eventually joining Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.  For more than 25 years, Bernadette was a faithful member of Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and eventually as the Sunday School Superintendent.  Bernadette’s gift of teaching made an indelible mark on the Metropolitan church family.

Bernadette was preceded in death by our father, Rev. Isaiah White, Jr., mother, Luvenia Robinson White, and sister, Phyllis White.  Bernadette leaves to cherish her memory – daughter, Joell Royal, two brothers, Darrell W. White Sr. and Derek A. White, Sr (Linda), two sisters, Pamela Agee and Chantay White-Taylor; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles; SOC class of 1977, sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Metropolitan Baptist Church family, and numerous friends.

Greetings family and friends! The White family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers in the honor and memory of our dear sister Bernadette White. Enclosed is a link, app and mailing address for monetary donations.

PayPal: Paypal.me/cwhitetaylor
CashApp: $ChantayWhiteTaylor
Mailing Address: 6604 Fannin Farm Way, Arlington, TX 76001 Your thoughts and prayers are very much appreciated.

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