In Loving Memory, Birda May White, Sunrise 5/5/1931, Sunset 3/23/2019, Memorial Service, Friday, March 29, 2019, 1:00 PM, Mary McLeod Bethune Center, 140 Martin Luther King Drive, Jersey City, New Jersey 07305, Officiating, Pastor Clarence Smith

MISS ME BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end ofthe road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free ... Miss me a little, but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me but let me go. For this journey that we all must take and each must go alone, it is all part ofthe Master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart go to the friends we know, and laugh at the things we used to do, bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. I'd like the memories of me to be happy, I'd like leave an after glow of smiles when the day is done. I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, cherish all those happy memories that I leave now that my life on earth is done. So miss, but let me go.
I'M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I hear His call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found th~ peace at the close of day,
If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joys A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine oftomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch Perhaps my time seemed all to brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart, and peace to thee, God wanted me now: He set me free.

In Lovino :Memory

SUNRISE([!jf~ ~ ~NSET

5 /5 / 1931

3 /23/ 2018

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Friday 3/29/2019

1:00PM

Mary McLeod Bethune Center 140 Martin Luther King Drive Jersey City, New Jersey 07305

Officiating, Pastor Clarence Smith

Obituary

Birda May Spivey was born on May 5, 1931 in Tyner, NC to the late Birda Elliott-Spivey and Dennis Spivey. She was educated in the Chowan County school system. Birda was affectionately called Mother and Ganny by her children and grandchildren.

Birda met and married Louis White in the late 40's, to this union 10 children were born, Robert, Jean, Edward, (Coy), Dennis, Casandra, (San), Lavon (Von), George (Mike), Shenda, Etonia (Toni), and Avonia (Vona).

Birda was a very loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She put love in everything she did. Love was the main ingredient in the countless meals she prepared for her family and friends. Whenever she made apple cobbler, the children at home would get all they wanted before alerting other family members of its existence. She didn't use recipes, she could taste it and determine what, if anything should be added. She would not share her recipes with her daughters. She would say, "You will not share my recipes with your boyfriends' mothers".

Her grands were the love of her life. Her children knew better to raise their hands or voices to her precious jewels in her presence. She was not one to raise her voice but when it came to the grands you had better watch out! Birda had a heart of gold, she would feed anyone and give them a place to stay. When she fed one she fed all. Her arms were always open and her heart was ready for forgiveness . No matter what her children did, she made it clear to them that they could always come back home. No matter how many times her children did not listen and made mistakes she never said "I told you so." She had a big heart and there was room to love and accept everyone. She was never one to judge.

Birda was a prayer warrior. She accepted Christ at an early age. She

prayed daily and kept her bible near at all times. Her dedication to

God's word kept her encouraged, free from worry, fearless and

motivated to perform her many tasks. Her faith in God was witnessed

by the entire family and she carried herself accordingly!



Growing up, prayer meetings were mandatory, we had them weekly at home. As children we didn't understand the importance of them and how they would later help to shape and mold our lives. We were often upset when we had to leave our friends to participate. Once we started praying and singing our songs, we had the best time and everybody had their favorite song.
She would strum her guitar while we sang the family prayer. Even though she couldn't sing a lick, we knew better than to say anything. Her plan and prayer worked because before we knew it, we couldn't wait to have family prayer again.
She would always say be kind and good to people and someone will be good to you. Obedience and forgiveness was heavily stressed and to sacrifice yourself and time for others and you will be blessed.
She exemplified strength and was kind to all who knew her. She counseled many people inside and outside of the family. With all of her hats she had to wear, the ones she wore most proudly were "MOTHER AND GANNY"!
If you asked her if she was tired, she would immediately become offended and say "NO I'M NOT TIRED, I'M NEVER TIRED".
Tyler Perry did not have anything on Birda, she wrote, directed, produced and starred in her own plays.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Birda Spivey, her husband Louis White, son, Robert Louis White, grandsons, Robert Louis White Jr., and Louis Atkinson, granddaughter, Brandi M. White, 3 sisters, Hattie Hurdle, Alma Ruth Jordan Hoffler, Eunice Jordan, 8 brothers, Louis, Howard, Alvin, Otis, Richard, Wayland, Governor and Joseph Bentley Spivey.
Birda leaves to cherish her memories, 4 sons, Edward M. White, (Janice) of Montgomery, AL; Dennis White ofNewport News, VA; Lavon White ofHarrisburg, PA; George (Montrez) ofHampton, VA; 5 daughters, Jeanne White; Shenda White; Etonia White; Avonia White of Jersey City; and Casandra White-Robinson of Dayton, NJ; 26 grandchildren, 20 great children, and four great great grandchildren; 3 sisters in law: Doris Overton; Carlton Griffm (Anthony) and Cora Wiggins of Edenton, NC, 4 brothers in law: Willie White; Lawrence White (Shanor); James White (Mary) all of Edenton, NC and Milton Jordan (Debra) ofBelverdere, NC and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends Elizabeth Costa and Mrs. Wearing.

Grand Children Lisa Dawn Carlotta (Pookie) Christina (Topsy) Toy a Lewis Lavon (Kobay) Leon Brian Shecoya Chantell Brandi Catrice Safarah Travis Delilah Brandon Nikki Quaneisha Zaria Bri'Che (Che) Antoine Robert Je'Nein Felicia Tiarra Jasmera

Great Grands Jasmine Jonathan Latrell Exzavier .(lay) Trevion DeAndre Emery Riley Sean Elliott Ali Mia Ire lynn Dallas Taikoshi Nyshiek Aubren Skye Anastasia Kerinedy Leon Jr. Layden Brienna

Great Great Grands Symir Janiyah Zaniyah Jonathan Jr.