Suzanne Butler White 

Published 8:26 am Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Funeral Services for Suzanne Butler White, age 84, who passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, will be held at a date to be determined, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Picayune, Miss.

Arrangements are under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.

Suzanne grew up just north of Niagara Falls in Lewiston, N.Y. where she danced ballet en pointe, learned the French language and became an accomplished pianist, even performing on occasion live radio in Niagara Falls. Her soprano voice was beautiful when she sang, and she loved to sing! When her father took a new job in California, Suzanne and her parents relocated to Lancaster, Calif. in 1957, just before her senior year of high school. An accomplished artist, she studied oil painting in high school and college. She maintained a life-long appreciation for all forms of art. In her younger years she was a synchronized swimmer and enjoyed playing tennis.

After high school graduation, her desire was to become a doctor. Suzanne was introduced to Durward Fred White at a church ice cream social sending local students in the Antelope Valley off to college. Fred was active duty in the USAF, stationed in Florida, and was in Lancaster while he was supporting a flight test program near Edwards AFB. Their long-distance courtship continued while Sue was a Pre-Med major at San Jose State University. She enjoyed a lifelong interest in the science of medicine, although she did not ultimately pursue a career in the sciences.

Fred and Suzanne married in Lancaster on Dec. 27, 1961. Their first years of married life, Fred’s military services took them to Florida, Kentucky, and Texas, then back to California where they resided post-air-force service in Santa Monica. When Fred took a job with Hughes Aircraft, they moved to Simi Valley, Calif. in 1966 where they lived until 1992. During the years in Simi, Suzanne was a homemaker, full-time loving mother, and wife.

In 1992, Fred and Sue relocated to Picayune, Miss. They were drawn closer to the gulf coast where they had enjoyed living in their early years of marriage. Making their home in Picayune, Suzanne and Fred both participated actively with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the local community. Suzanne crocheted prayer shawls and blankets for many of the church congregation, friends, and family. She was a member of Daughters of the King and the Red Hat Society.

Her church ministry called her to write the birthday and greeting cards for the church membership for many years. Suzanne was by nature a very generous person; always willing to talk with anyone who needed a lending hand or a listening ear and lend a helping hand.

Sue’s passion for gardening kept her active until just a few short weeks ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard W Scott and Phyllis Lucille Whitaker Scott; her brother, Craig T Scott, and most recently, on July 12, of this year, her husband of almost 63 years, Durward Fred White.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Anastasia “Staci” Elizabeth White; her granddaughter, Brittaney (Christian) Burns; her great-grandson; Greyson Burns; niece Cynthia (Martin) Raab, and nephew Craig T. (Carmen) Scott Jr.; cousin, Laurie (Bill)  McCorquodale, and several other cousins, nieces and nephews.