Mrs. Mary H. White Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gallatin, TN 92 Passed away at Sumner Regional Hospital. Mary Helen Randall-White was born November 21, 1925 to Jim Randall and Mary Stringfellow-Randall in Louisville, Mississippi. She completed her earthly journey Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Her parents had five children. Four preceded her in death, Fannie Mae Randall-Crosby, William J Randall, Lottie Flora Randall-Sillas, and James (Bub) Randall the youngest. As a young child, Mary and her family were sharecroppers. Mary and her siblings were very close, and their bond remained strong throughout their lives. She completed her education in East Saint Louis, and she was a remarkable word speller who in addition enjoyed solving word puzzles. Mary will also be remembered for having beautiful penmanship. She met and married John C. Holmes in her younger years and moved to East Saint Louis, Illinois. Through this union, they had one (1) child, John A. Holmes, Sr. Mary and her husband later divorced and many years later she married her second husband Elijah White in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They remained married until his death in 1991. Mary retired from Saint Anthony Hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin where she was employed in the dietary department. Throughout the years, she became more than just a mother and wife. She was her sons fishing buddy until her declining health prevented her from being able to enjoy the pastime with him. Her passion for fishing never subsided, and her son often showed her pictures of his latest catch. She was a counselor to her grandchildren, often spending time with them, encouraging them in their life and celebrating all their accomplishments and milestones. She enjoyed speaking with family and friends in person or on the telephone and always made time for them. Mary became, and was considered by many, an excellent cook. Mary loved her family and displayed her affection through her cooking. She was famous for her peach cobbler, banana pudding, caramel cake and sweet potato pie. Mary was a very happy and loving person whom loved to laugh. Affectionately called “Aunt Helen” by her nieces and nephews she was known for being easy to talk with, her quick wit and comebacks. Mary professed her belief in God at an early age and in Wisconsin continued her involvement in church and singing in the choir. She was also a member and lead singer for “The Prayer Band” a local religious singing group in Milwaukee. Shortly after relocating to Tennessee she became a member of Pickett Rucker United Methodist Church located in Lebanon, TN. When she spoke to family and friends, she often used the bible to encourage them. She walked in her faith and was never ashamed to demonstrate it. Her light shown bright to even people who were not family. Her smile, her laugh, her presence and her encouraging words stemmed from her deep and personal faith. She leaves bountiful memories to her only child, John A. Holmes, Sr. (Pauline) and her 4 grandchildren, John A. Holmes, Jr., Camilla D. Holmes, Jelani L. Holmes (Sherri) and Mandisa L. Holmes. She also leaves 9 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends. Please keep the Holmes and White Families in your prayers.

Mrs. Mary H. White

November 21, 1925 - January 16, 2018