Dorothy Mae White

Dorothy Mae Turner-White lived a life filled with love, resilience, and service to her family. Born on August 9,1930 in Water Valley, MS to Ezel and Dorothy Jane Ford-Turner. She was the second child among five siblings. Though three of her siblings preceded her in death – Maydell Collins, Velma (Williams) Joiner, and Willie (Alleen) Turner, Dorothy Mae’s legacy of strength and care lived on.

Dorothy Mae attended school in Water Valley. She embarked on the journey of parenthood alongside James Wade White with whom she raised six children: Sammie (Emma) Rockett, Bettie (Donald) Milledge, Ruby White, Clara (Benjamin) Bell, Alice White, James White. Three of her children (Sammie, Alice, James) preceded her in death. Dorothy Mae’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She provided support in raising her sister Velma’s seven children.

Dorothy Mae’s faith was deeply rooted in the fabric of her life. For over five decades, she was a devoted member of Sanders Chapel Church in Water Valley and was affectionately known as “Mama Mae” by her church family. Even as her health declined, she enjoyed watching various pastors on television, home visits by pastors, deacons, fellow church members, and community friends and cousins. She was also a prayer partner with two of her great-grandchildren.

Dorothy Mae retired from Mott’s Poultry Plant in Water Valley. She was a dedicated employee and maintained a bond with coworkers, finding joy in reminiscing about their shared experiences at Mott’s. She often shared how her friends wanted her to change her place of employment, but her dedication kept her grounded. Dorothy Mae impacted her family, friends and community through acts of kindness and generosity in such areas as quilting, canning, cooking and countless other activities.

In her passing, Dorothy Mae leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love.
She is survived by a special first cousin, Adale Cole – “Matriarch” of the family; her sister – Asariner Carothers; three daughters (Bettie, Ruby, Clara); grandchildren; Darrell Bynum; Angelia (Terroll) Farries; Michael (Melissa) Walls; Trumane (Asia) Bell; Alvin (Erika) Woodard-McClay; Tawan Bell; Kristopher (Amy) White; Nakeya White; Shayna White; Ashley White; great-grandchildren; Terroll Farries Jr.; Gerrell Farries; Alina Farries; RaKeeya Walls; Mykah Walls; Trumane Bell II; Aiden Bell; Brittany (Elijah) Muhammad; Tayshaun White; Saniya White; Trinity White; Jacolby Sanders; Sklyer O’Neal; Channing White; great-great grandchild; Elijah Muhammad Jr; nephews; Marvin (Sharon) Joiner; Steve (Jacqueline) Joiner; Ronald Joiner; Donald (Ann) Joiner; Trenton (Savita) Carothers; Gene Carothers; Dwayne Carothers; Anthony (Rachel) Carothers; Christopher (Donna)Turner; nieces; Jerrie Joiner; Asariner (Tonny) Harper; Jacqueline (Daryl) Moore; Sanja Smith; a multitude of great nephews, nieces, family and friends who will forever treasure her presence in their lives.