In Loving Memory of Shirley K. White
January 3, 1949 – July 23, 2025
It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the peaceful passing of Shirley K. White, who departed this life on July 23, 2025, at the age of 76 in Roanoke, Virginia. Surrounded by family and love in her final moments, Shirley’s journey on this earth came to a gentle close, but the legacy of her kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to those she loved will endure for generations to come.
Shirley was born on January 3, 1949, to Harold and Mary Katherine (Pruitt) King in Bluefield, West Virginia. From a young age, she exhibited a nurturing spirit and a quiet strength that would come to define her entire life. She grew up in a close-knit family where values of faith, service, and resilience were deeply instilled. These values carried her through life and became the bedrock upon which she built her own family.
Shirley married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” White, in 1971. Together, they shared more than five decades of unwavering partnership, weathering life’s storms and celebrating its joys side by side. Their marriage was a shining example of dedication, patience, and love—a beacon to all who knew them. Their home was filled with laughter, warmth, and the delicious smell of Shirley’s homemade meals, which were shared at every family gathering, holiday, or just-because occasion.
She was a devoted mother to her three children: Stephen, Laura, and Michael. Her children remember her as a woman of quiet courage and unshakable support, who never missed a school event, church function, or opportunity to lend a listening ear. She took great pride in watching them grow into compassionate and successful adults and was a source of wisdom and encouragement throughout their lives.
Professionally, Shirley spent many years as an administrative assistant in the Roanoke school system, where she was respected by colleagues and beloved by students and teachers alike. She brought a calming presence to even the most chaotic of days and had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. She was known for her handwritten notes of encouragement, her patient smile, and the candy dish she always kept full on her desk.
Outside of work, Shirley was deeply involved in her church community at First Baptist Church of Roanoke. She was a dedicated member of the choir, participated in Bible studies, and led several women’s fellowship events over the years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing her comfort in times of hardship.
Shirley had a special love for gardening, birdwatching, and reading historical novels. Her backyard, filled with blooming hydrangeas and chirping cardinals, was her sanctuary. She found joy in the little things—a cup of tea in the morning sun, a long phone call with an old friend, the giggles of her grandchildren, and Sunday afternoon drives through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
She was a proud and doting grandmother to six grandchildren—Anna, Caleb, Sophie, Eli, Harper, and Jonah—each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life. Known affectionately as “Mimi,” Shirley made sure each grandchild felt uniquely loved and treasured, always ready with a warm hug, a thoughtful gift, or a homemade treat. Her legacy of love, compassion, and grace will forever live on through them.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mary Katherine King, and her beloved sister, Eleanor “Ellie” Marsh. She is survived by her husband, Robert White; her children Stephen White (Angela), Laura Mitchell (James), and Michael White (Rachel); her six grandchildren; her brother Gerald King; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who mourn her loss and celebrate her life.
A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Roanoke. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family burial will follow at Evergreen Burial Park.
The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the wonderful staff at Roanoke Memorial Hospital and to her hospice care team for their compassionate care in her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley’s memory to the American Cancer Society or to the Women’s Ministry at First Baptist Church, causes close to her heart.
Though she is no longer with us in person, Shirley K. White’s spirit, love, and example remain deeply etched in the hearts of those privileged to have known her. Her life was a quiet but powerful testament to the beauty of selflessness, faith, and love. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
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