Mother Kate White was born Kate Ruby lrving, on September 16, 1924, in Anthony, Florida, to the late Frank and Ola Irving. She received a formal education in Marion County, Florida. She married the late Sylvester White on February 19, 1954. She was employed at and retired from Alyce D. McPherson School for Boys and Girls in Ocala, Florida.
Mother Kate White has been a member of Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church in Anthony, Florida her entire life. Mother White accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized to the faith.
Mother Kate White loved the Lord and was committed to supporting the mission of the church. She labored in the Kingdom of God in various roles. These included the Usher Board, Steward Board, Stewardess Board, Pulpit Aide Ministry, Marie Roland Missionary Society, and a Class Leader. Mother White would prepare delicious meals for the pastors of Mt. Olive and invite them to dine at her home. Furthermore, she would prepare meals for the community youth. As a mission-minded mother, she would often pray for and provide care to the sick and shut-in.
Mother Kate White implemented the 5th Saturday Youth Program for the churches within the Anthony community. Her greatest mission was continuing the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When her health began to decline, Mother White stayed on the battlefield for the Lord. She used her telephone to call others to encourage them through the word of God (especially Psalm 91, her favorite scripture) and witness to all about how good God Almighty has been to her down through the years!
On January 16, 2022, the Sister Kate Ruby White Lay Organization was established at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Anthony, Florida in honor of her tireless years of love and devotion as an exemplary lay member to God and His people. Mother White’s “matriarchal” memories will always be a witness of the wonderful transformation of having Jesus Christ as your Savior brings! Mother White would often express these words: “If the Lord is for you, then the devil can’t do you no harm!”
She leaves to cherish her memories: three sons, Ernest Woods, Arthur McCoy, and Levern White; five daughters, Martha Morris, Willie Mae Leverette (Robert), Ola Pearl Brown (Rogers), Ora Lee Shelton, and Yvette K. Davis (Charles); stepson, Arthur White; bonus children, Vernon and Shirley Foster, Veronica Damon, Thomas and Evelyn Nichols, Priscilla Swinton, Felix and Janetria Snow, Rhodia Thomas, Flora Weathers, Joseph and Barbara White, Phillip and Theresa Woods, and the late Juanita Bynes’ Bunch; 37 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Joanne Cooper, Elizabeth Simmons, and Lois Hare-Bey; one brother-in-law, Thomas Adams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mother White was preceded in death by her children, Carl and Sylvia White; sister, Rosa Lee Green; and brothers, James Henry Irving, David Irving, Harold Irving, and Ethel “Jack” Irving.