Mrs. Geneva L. White

Reflections of Life

MOTHER GENEVA L. WHITE ‘89

HER LIFE - HER LOVE - HER LEGACY

Geneva L. White was born to Benjamin Whitehead and Ida Mae Bryant Whitehead on November 29, 1935, in Millen, Georgia. She was one of five siblings: Bertha Mae, Annie Ruth, Thelma and John “JB.”

Geneva joined the New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Woodcliff, Georgia during her early years. As such, she participated in numerous church activities. She attended and graduated from Jenkins County Training School in 1955.

After relocating to Savannah, Georgia in 1960, she married Robert White, Jr. on March 5, 1960. They were married for 65 years. Over the course of their marriage, she often jokingly stated, “I lost my ‘head’ (Whitehead) when I married Robert White!” Together, they welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Ronald Earl, Robbie Denise, and Reginald Bernard.

Her professional career began in 1965 at one of the largest retailers in Savannah at the time, F.W. Woolworth. Geneva began as a salesclerk and held various positions within the store. She retired as a supervisor in 1992.

Geneva faithfully served at Second St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia for more than fifty years. During her tenure, she served in numerous capacities, including: the L.S. Aiken, #2 and Senior Choirs, Mission-In-Action, Baptist Training Union, Pastor Support Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Sunday School, 47-57 Social Workers, Vice President of the Mission Ministry, Culinary Staff, Women’s Day Chairperson, Trustee Board Member, and as Chairman for the Centennial Anniversary Banquet. She was consecrated as a Deaconess in October 2007 and became Church Mother in July 2017.

Geneva was very active in her community, particularly with the West Savannah Community Organization, where she served as Vice President, Current Board Member, The Greater West Savannah Christmas parade food Committee, Treasurer, Block Captain, and Member of the Homeowners Beautification Committee. She valued family and was always present at multiple family reunions. Geneva chaired the inaugural Scott Family Reunion in Savannah in 1993 and never missed a reunion. She enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home. She frequently planned Sunday dinners and always hosted holiday gatherings—she most often cooked most menu items! Her Thanksgiving dinner was the best!

Her passion for gospel music was evident through her membership in the Aiken and Savannah Mass Choirs. She also regularly participated in organizations and events such as the Women’s Auxiliaries of the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Association and the General Missionary Baptist Convention Deaconesses, and The Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc.

On July 1, 2025, Geneva went home to be with the Lord and reunite with loved ones who went before her: parents, Benjamin and Ida Mae Whitehead; sister, Bertha Mae Solomon; and nephew, Spencer Solomon.

Geneva leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband of 65 years, Robert White, Jr.; three children: Ronald E. White (Christina), Denise Lindsey, and Reginald B. White; six grandchildren: Tenika White, Shenice White, Gregory (Kimberly), Keon (Ashley), Robert Lindsey, and Ronald White, Jr.; twelve great grandchildren: Tiona Amos, Atealia Bolton, Akeil “AJ” Bolton, Samaya McCombs, Jáquan McCombs, DeAish White, Cayden Lindsey, Caydence Lindsey, Kristain Lindsey, Mason Lindsey, Madison Lindsey, and Caleb Lindsey; two great great grands: Harmony Brown and Kaydence Amos; two bonus great grandchildren: Ayasha Barnes and Aybere Brown; two sisters: Annie Ruth Ward (Daniel) and Thelma Jones; one brother: John “JB” Whitehead; a special nephew: Clayton Whitehead; two bonus sisters; Rose Marie Harris, Jane Green; and two godchildren: Antoine Myrick and Antoinette Boyer. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, her Second Saint John Church family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at Second Saint John Baptist Church, located at 1323 Golden St, Savannah, Georgia. This gathering will take place on July 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Geneva L. White will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, leaving behind cherished memories that will last a lifetime.