Sheila Elizabeth White's Obituary
Sheila Elizabeth White graced the earth with her presence on December 30, 1956 born to the union of Rene and Georgia Swanigan. She was the fourth child of a very large and loving family of twelve. She was born in St. Louis, MO and raised in East St. Louis, IL. She attended East Side High School. She married Mitchell Collins Sr. to which three beautiful children were born: Tranise Shernette, Mitchell Anthony Jr., and Terri LoRae Collins.After moving to Washington in 1976, Sheila began her career at NalleyÂ's Fine Foods where she proudly worked for over 25 years. In the summer of 1988, she met and later married the love of her life, the Godly Deacon Dewayne White. Upon this union she received two other blessings in the form of Zakia Nicole and LaDwayna Lavees White.In 1985 after thoroughly searching for a church to call home, she joined Sheridan Street Church of God, where she served in many positions including Sunday School Superintendent, usher board member, choir director, trustee board member and womenÂ's fellowship leader just to name a few.In 1991after many years of walking with the Lord, she boldly accepted her call into the ministry. She received her certificate of ordination as a minister of the Church of God in November 2003. She later served as the Assistant Pastor of Sheridan Street Community Church of God under the divine leadership and guidance of Pastor Roy L. Fletcher Sr.She was a woman after the heart of God, and aimed to do his will working to fulfill her purpose of winning souls for Christ.Preceding her in death are her father Rene Swanigan, neice Emaryllis Denise Swanigan, grandparents, and nephew Marques Romel Bean. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 17 years David D. White, a sacred jewel of a mother, Georgia Swanigan, her beautiful children, Tranise (Paul) Brown, Mitchell A. Collins, Jr., Terri LoRae Collins, Zakia Nicole White and LaDwayna Lavees White, 3 grandchildren Anaiah, Elicia, and Jayla.Eleven brothers and sisters: James (Carlene) Swanigan, Pamela (Walter) Perry, Paula Swanigan, Clinton (Rebecca) Swanigan, Stanley (Daminta) Swanigan, Linda (Terry) Walker, Christine Arnold, Sarita Dunn, Tracy (Mikus) Murry, Roger Swanigan, and Randy Swanigan; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews cousins, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Sheila?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sheila?
Share a story where Sheila's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sheila you’ll never forget.
How did Sheila make you smile?