Mary Joanne Lane White

Mary Joanne Lane White, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cherished aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and devotion. Born on February 5, 1936, in Perquimans County, North Carolina, Joanne was the treasured daughter of William Phillip and Esther Neal Tarkington Lane. She graduated from Perquimans High School. Joanne’s early years, shaped by the nurturing love of her parents, instilled a generosity and hospitality that would become the hallmark of her life.

In the summer of 1954, Joanne married the love of her life, Edgar "Ray" White of Chowan County. Ray served in the U.S. Army during the end of the Korean War and was stationed in Japan until 1956. After returning home from his service, the family moved to Norfolk, Virginia. There, Joanne raised four children and later worked outside the home for six years at Tidewater Supply Company. In 1976 the Whites returned to North Carolina to settle on the family farm in Rocky Hock. Joanne worked for 20 years at Timberlake C.P.A. in Edenton before finally retiring. Throughout, Joanne and Ray built a marriage grounded in hard work, deep affection and mutual respect, sharing 46 years of partnership. Their union was an inspiration, and their home was a place of comfort and celebration for family, friends, and neighbors alike.

In her later years after Ray’s passing in 2000, Joanne remained active and engaged, dedicating her time and talents to serving others. She taught Sunday School and sang joyfully in the choirs at Rocky Hock Baptist Church for many years, sharing her strong faith and love of music with her congregation. Her commitment to Home Delivered Meals reflected her desire to make a positive difference in her community, offering nourishment and companionship to those in need. Her oven was frequently set to 350 degrees, where she baked countless cakes (not to mention her delicious divinity fudge!) for those in the community who had suffered a loss or might just need a smile.

Joanne’s adventurous spirit shone brightly through her many travels with her daughter Nancy, as the two explored new places and created treasured memories together. She took great pride in her home and gardens, tending to each with the same loving attention she gave to those around her.

Joanne’s devotion as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend was unwavering throughout her life. Her welcoming home became the heart of many gatherings, where her legendary Thanksgiving and Christmas tables brought together loved ones in gratitude and laughter. She delighted in creating a space filled with warmth, where all felt valued and embraced. Her legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and love. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her family is so grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate her 90th birthday with her just over a month ago. She will be deeply missed.

Joanne is predeceased by her parents, William Phillip and Esther Neal Tarkington Lane, her husband, Edgar Ray White, and three siblings, Edna Ruth Lane Moore, William Phillip Lane, Jr., and Neva Joyce Lane, who died in infancy.

She is survived by a loving family who will miss her warm smiles and loving embraces. They include her children, Nancy L. White of Newport News, Virginia, Susan W. Jacobson (David) of Chesapeake, Virginia, Steven R. White of Edenton, North Carolina, and Becky W. Giles (Caskie) of Lynchburg, Virginia. She has four grandchildren, all of whom she treasured. They are John D. Jacobson of Williamsburg, Virginia, Amy J. Upperman (Johnathon) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, J. Harrison Giles (Jordan) of Jetersville, Virginia, and Elizabeth (“Liza”) T. Giles of Eden, Utah. Her five great grandchildren are Hope (11 yrs.), Matthias (8 yrs.), Abram (3 yrs.), and Alder (1 yr.) Upperman and Luna Jane Giles (6 mo.). She is also survived by her loving sister-in-law of many years, Norma Lane Layden (Billy), and 10 loving nieces and nephews.

Joanne’s children wish to express sincere gratitude to the dedicated medical team of Albemarle Home Care and Hospice. The empathy and care shown in their mother’s final days were a true blessing not only to her, but to each of them as well.

Additionally, Nancy, Susan, and Becky wish to thank their brother Steven for his steadfast daily love and care of their mother for the final years of her life. Their love, admiration, and appreciation can never be adequately conveyed.

A celebration of life will be held at Rocky Hock Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 24th at 2:30 p.m. and will be officiated by Reverend Trey Rogers. The family will greet guests immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private internment ceremony will be held at the family cemetery later that day. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Rocky Hock Baptist Church, N.C. Baptist Children’s Homes, or to a charity of your choosing.

A passage found taped on the inside cover of Joanne’s well-worn Bible:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com