of West Memphis, AR
August 21, 1942 - September 5, 2023
Catherine Rhodora Azlin White went to her heavenly home on September 5th, 2023. She was born on August 21st, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, William David White II; her parents, Dalton and Ann Azlin and her brother, Timothy Azlin. Left to grieve her passing and celebrate her life are her husband, William David White of West Memphis, Arkansas, to whom she was married for 50 years; her daughter, Angela Renee Merideth of Memphis, TN; her son, Stephen Craig Merideth and wife, Jennifer of West Memphis; her granddaughters, LeeAnn Rhodora Merideth and MaryAnna Catherine Merideth both of West Memphis and her sisters, Bettye Pitner and husband, David of Siloam Springs, AR and Lucy Azlin of Alexandria, LA.
Catherine attended Cummings Elementary and graduated from South Side High School in 1960. While in high school, she was feature editor of the newspaper, a student council officer, football queen finalist and voted "Prettiest Girl" in the senior class. She attended MSCW on scholarships and finished her B.S. degree in English and Sociology at the University of Memphis. She later earned a Masters degree in English and Counseling.
Her teaching career started at Westwood, continuing at Mitchell and Melrose. She then became a guidance counselor at Crawfordsville and Marion Jr. High School which culminated with her retirement after 43 years. During her teaching career, she was awarded with the prestigious "Master Teacher award, level 3".
In 1989, the White family suffered a tragic and heartbreaking blow when their 15 year old son, David II, was killed by a drunk driver. There followed years of anguished grief. Catherine ended up joining Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). She embarked on an avid journey of volunteering. During these years of volunteering, she gave dozens of presentations to high school and college audiences in addition to speaking before audiences of drunk drivers. For 3 years she served as President of MADD-Shelby County and for 3 years as Chairperson of MADD Tennessee. She was a recipient of the "Difference Maker" award for her devotion to MADD. In 1998 she served as National Chairperson of the International Candlelight Vigil held at the Peabody Hotel. Over 600 delegates from across the US, Puerto Rico and Guam attended this unforgettable vigil. The Whites established a scholarship fund to perpetuate David's memory and to reward students who qualified for this scholarship. Students had to write an essay with the title "The Tragedy of Drunk Driving" and pledged not to ever drive if they had been drinking. Over the next 30 years, 150 scholarships were awarded.
During her years of profound grief, a friend asked Catherine "When will you ever get over your debilitating sorrow?". She thought several days on this question and wrote her reply in this poem titled "The Day My Heart Will Mend":
There's an empty chair at our table; there's a longing deep in my heart;
For I had no prior warning that my son was about to depart.
Yes, I loved him to distraction when I had him with me here;
Now all the precious memories of him I hold so very dear.
There's a sorrow that surrounds me and will not let me go;
Gripped tight in a vise of unending pain, time has become my foe.
Each day is a constant battle to find meaning in this life;
Will there ever come a time, I ask, when there'll be no internal strife?
I've trudged that lonely highway paved with miles and miles of grief.
The clouds have overshadowed me, blocking out the hoped-for relief.
But there's a promise that's sustained me in my darkest hour of sorrows
Made by the divine ONE up above to give hope for our bleakest tomorrows,
That there'll be no tears in heaven-no more sorrow, no more pain,
No more worries and no elusive peace I'll still be struggling to gain.
There will be a day of rejoicing when I see him around that bend;
When I hold him in my arms once more, my heart will finally mend.
Sign Guestbook
17 Condolence(s)
Dana Jones
Thursday, September 14, 2023
I worked with Mrs. White at MJHS. I’m so sorry to hear this. Praying for her family.
Pam Birnbaum
Monday, September 11, 2023
My dearest Angela….I am so so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman who raised an amazing daughter. You have always been there for me during life’s most challenging times, your words of comfort spoken so eloquently. I wish I had your gift. In my own words, I love you and wish I was there to wrap my arms around you my dear friend, today and always â¤ï¸
Thor Kvande
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Angela, what an amazing tribute to your mom. She sounds like a wonderful person, and it is easy to see why you miss her. Peace and grace be with you, my friend.
Lisa Buckner
Friday, September 8, 2023
Angela, this brief glimpse into the life of an extraordinary woman gives me insight into the person you are, also extraordinary. No words can soothe this pain, but know that you are deeply loved by so many, and hopefully we can help ease that pain in the coming days. Much love, Lisa, Kiersten, & Poppy
Samantha Neal
Friday, September 8, 2023
Angela, I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious mother. I wasn't around her much, but the times that I did get to be around her, she was such a sweetheart. You are in my prayers and I love you Sis!
Jennifer S Harrison
Friday, September 8, 2023
I am so sorry for the loss of sweet Catherine (Mamacita). Heaven gained a beautiful, graceful and classy angel who's smile will brighten the galaxies. Prayers of peace, comfort and precious memories to her family, friends and loved ones. All my love to her angel on earth daughter - Angela.
Suzanne Wright
Thursday, September 7, 2023
We have had many childhood memories! I'm so very sorry for your loss! I'm going to do my best to be there! May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you and your family!😘😢
Audrey Green Boyd
Thursday, September 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Mamacita's passing and pray you all find peace in the weeks to come knowing she's in the arms of Jesus with her Davey once again.
With care,
Audrey
Amanda McFadden
Thursday, September 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear the loss of a wonderful person
Billie Ginn
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Just wanting to say how very sorry I am to hear of Mrs. White's passing . She and I worked together at mjhs and I really was fond of her. Prayers for the family for peace and comfort .
Nancy Bailey
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Another Angel gained her wings !! Fly high … prayers for all family and friends ðŸ™ðŸ¼ðŸ™ðŸ¼â¤ï¸
Laura Ring Givens
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
My condolences to this awesome family.. I will be praying for peace, healing and comfort ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Mona Taylor
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Mrs. White was a gentle, kind lady. I was privileged to work with her at Marion Junior High. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Sheila Tilley
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
We are so very sorry for your loss. Catherine was such a sweet lady. I know that she will be missed by all who love her. GOD bless you all. The Tilley family
Carol Buchman
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
So glad to have read this about this most beautiful person and sending heartfelt wishes to ANgela and the family
Marti McCloud
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
What a beautiful poem and I hope thinking of their glorious reunion is comforting. I am thinking of and praying for you and your family at this heartbreaking time. Sending you love, Angela!
Debbie Jackson
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
My deepest condolences to the White family. I am fortunate to have been able to work with and become acquainted with Mrs. White and her family. I cherish the years she and I shared working together at Marion Junior High. Rest in love Mrs. White.