Mrs. Helen Frances Pearson White, 81, of Silsbee, formerly of Manila, died Sunday, February 3, 2007.
Born in the Bucoda, Missouri community, she was raised in Manila, Arkansas and had lived in Silsbee since 1964.
Helen attended the University of Arkansas and after earning her master’s degree, taught language arts. She was also a realtor, and along with her husband, served as a tour director for their own travel agency. Helen also owned and operated radio stations in Silsbee.
Helen and J.P. traveled extensively in Europe, which allowed Mrs. White to further studies in France and Spain.
Mrs. White was active in her local community, where she started the program for human services, was a member of Hardin County Tourist Board, County Association for Retarded Persons and was president of Silsbee Library advisory board. She was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of the “Old Silsbee Ice House”, a noted landmark in the city.
Helen is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jewel Porter “J P” White of Silsbee; son John Pat White and wife Becky of Silsbee; daughters, Sydney White Wilson and husband John of Houston and Betty Ann White Williford of Conroe; eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 9, 2006 at Howard Funeral Chapel in Manila, Arkansas with burial in Manila Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John K. Wilson, John Pat White II, Rick Pearson, Ricky Cherry, Bobby White and Jimmy White.
