Shirley A. White

Shirley Ann White was called home to be with the Lord on January 29, 2025. She was surrounded by friends and family as she transitioned into his everlasting arms. Shirley was born on November 30, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Helen Blair and Timothy Pope as the eldest of eight children.

Shirely professed a hope in Jesus Christ and was an active member in every single church in which she joined. Shirley worshiped at Galilee Baptist Church in 1957 under the leadership of Rev. J.C. Scruggs and then Rose Chapel in 1960 under Rev. J. Alexander and Rev. R.F Hairston. While at Rose Chapel she was a member of the Young Adult choir, a teacher leader at vacation bible school and a Junior Sunday School teacher. She later joined Jerriel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Melvin T. Jones where she served as the Director of the Youth Department, a member of multiple choirs, the Mission Board and a Sunday School teacher. She also spent volunteer time at Winton Hills Presbyterian Church. Her commitment was so steadfast that when she could no longer attend services in person, she faithfully attended Bible Study, Sunday School and Sunday Morning service virtually.

Shirley graduated from Robert A. Taft High School in 1964. While attending as a student, she was a member of the Glee Club, student leadership, Future Teachers of America, Pi Tau Delta Honor Club, College Club and the Yearbook Staff. Shirely loved Taft High School. She served as an active member of the Class of 1964 Taft Alumni Group and attended ALL of the Taft Alumni activities, even for other classes. She would always say, “Oh I loved my days at Taft!”

Shirley graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1968 with her Bachelor’s in Education. In 1967, Shirley joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Zeta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati. She was a devoted and proud member of the Divine Nine and represented her beloved sorority proudly. A dedicated scholar and educator, Shirley obtained her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Xavier University in 1988.

A devoted educator, teaching students on all levels was Shirley’s passion. Shirley was a dedicated alumni and teacher for Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) for 30 years. She started her career at Hoffman Elementary School, then at Rockdale Elementary School where she started a travel club and a State of the Art Science lab. Shirley’s dedication to education, leadership and the students was an inspiration to many. She was a true educational leader as a teacher supervisor, where she mentored and trained colleagues. While at CPS, Shirley also served outside the classroom with many programs that helped students, including the All City Scholarship Fund and Project Succeed. Her influence and mentorship is still felt among her colleagues, former students and friends to this day.

In 1969, Shirley married Johnny G. White (deceased 2005). Their union lasted for 36 years and brought forth two children: Kimberly and Johnny Dion (deceased 1980). Although both her husband and son were called home, their love is eternal. Shirley’s only granddaughter, Jade was the light of her world. She imparted many life-skills and lessons to Jade which is evident in the pride she had when Jade mastered her grandmother’s sweet potato pie recipe.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny G. White; her son, Johnny Dion; parents, Helen Stallworth and Timothy Pope; step-father, Melton Stallworth; grandmother, Mattie Blair; parents-in-law, Freddie B. White and R.C. White; and siblings-in-law, Indiaola McCrary-White, Charles White and Joe White.

She is survived by: daughter, Kimberly White-Colon; granddaughter, Jade Colon; brothers, William Ingram (JoAnn), Brett Stallworth (Terri), Vernon Stallworth and Rodney Stallworth; sisters, Brenda Boggan, Imogene Davis, Darlene Stallworth and Gwen Scott; sisters-in-love, Judy Jones, Jessica Hall, Betty White and Jenell White; brothers-in-love, Calvin White, Larry Jones and Chip Hall; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who all mourn her loss together.

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