Eva Jewel White (Kirkland) died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015.
Mrs. White was born on Sept. 21, 1921 in Webb, Alabama to Hosea and Elizabeth Kirkland.
She moved with her family to Plant City in the early 1930s where she resided until her death. A 1940 graduate of Plant City High School, she was the secretary of her senior class, a cheerleader and voted “Most Popular.” After graduation, in August 1940, she married Joseph C. White.
During World War II, Mr. White enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Seabee in the Pacific Theater of Operations. While Mr. White was overseas, Mrs. White worked as a secretary at the draft board in Plant City, and at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa. Their son, Charles Stuart White, was born in 1947.
Mrs. White was very active in The Junior Women’s Club in Plant City, where she held many offices including President and District 8 Director. She was a volunteer in the early days of Plant City Little League and served many years as a Pink Lady in the hospital auxiliary.
She is survived by her son, Charles S. White (Lianne); grandson, Andrew White (Andrea); granddaughters, Erin Register (Lester), Amanda Pennewell (Kris) and Meredith White; great-grandchildren, Brenna Register, Bo Register, Charles Gray White and Jackson Dean White.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mabel Windsor and Blondell Martin; brother, Robert Olin Kirkland; and husband, Joseph C. White.
A visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 20, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City. A funeral service followed, with a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland or to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.