Delia Mae White

Delia Mae White was reunited with her mother, husband and son on Sunday, December 1, 2019.  She was born March 2, 1928 in Trezevant, TN as an only child to James (Dick) & Irene Hillsman Procter.  She attended Wingo Grade School, McKenzie High School, and Lane College.  She was baptized at the age of 11 and a member of Wingo Baptist Church.  After moving to Danville, she became a member of Second Baptist Church in 1961. She has held several positions at the church.  Most recent positions were the Mother’s Board & the Missionary Board.  Even with living in Champaign, she was blessed with a ride to church several Sunday’s a month.

She married Calvin Coolidge White in Chicago, IL, who preceded her in death in May, 1958.  She said she’d never marry again after him, and she didn’t.  She was a very hard working, say what she meant and meant what she say, wonderful mother and single parent!  Delia’s mother was a huge support system for her, helping in many ways so she could work & do what was needed to take care of the family.

After the passing of her husband, Delia moved her mother and three children to Danville, IL on August 6, 1960.  She worked at General Electric/Valmont for 22 years.  Several of those years she worked 3rd shift while her children were young, so she could be available during the day while they were in school.  She served as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for several years.   

Delia then went to day shift, and picked up another job working at H&R Block in the evenings.  She happily did a lot of her family & friends taxes.   Delia worked 20 years at H&R Block.  After retiring from GE & leaving H&R Block, she still didn’t sit back and rest.  She decided to go work for Hardees for another 14 years.

Delia was a huge supporter of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s sports.  She loved going to watch them play in whatever sport they were in.  She would also support a lot of her cousin’s activities. She truly loved all of her family.  Delia also was an avid bowler & walker.  Between bowling, walking, working so much, and by God’s grace that’s how she lived such a full independent and active life.

Delia leaves to cherish her memories 2 daughters, Latricia White, Champaign, IL, Edna (Gregory) Reed, Bloomington, IL. Step Daughter Hattie Helm, Louisville, KY. Daughter-in-law Rena White, Danville, IL. 14 Grandchildren, Maurice, Jason, Tywayn, Henry, Melvin, Calvin, Tyrell, Gregory, Anitra, Shanena, Angelique, Stacy, Shataia, Katia. 43 Great Grandchildren and 7 Great Great Grandchildren, 1 Sister-in-law, Geneva Williams Cincinnati, OH, and a “whole lot” of cousins, nieces, nephews, & friends.

Special daughters, Kathy Caston & Sheree Luster, who she loved so much. She made sure they were part of all the decisions that were made for her. They played a huge part in her life, and she was so grateful for all the time they spent with her and including her in family activities. She always said when cousin Othella Lillard & Aunt Mary Hillsman left her, she inherited seventeen more children, and she loved each and every one of them.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin, her son Calvin Jr., 2 additional children, her mother Irene, her father James, 2 step brothers Mitchell & Melvin, and 15 sister and brother-in-laws.

A Celebration of Delia’s life will be Friday, December 6, 2019 at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL.  Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the 91 Years Celebration of Life following at 12:00 p.m. Officiating: Pastor Timothy Shaw. Interment will be at Spring Hill Cemetery. Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams in charge of the arrangements.

We would like to send a special thank you to Accolade Nursing Home and Carle Hospice for their compassionate care of Delia for the past 3 months.  Also thank you to ALLLLL of our family and friends that showed her so much love while going through these last few months.  Thank you so very much.

Condolences may be sent to www.leekandsonsfuneralhome.com.

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