Jeri Rose White

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Jeri Rose White

Jeri Rose White was born on Saturday, October 1, 1955 in Seattle, Washington. Her proud parents were Johnnie Douglas and Leola Roseline Belson White. Of the four “darling daughters” born to this union she was the baby. Jeri had a wonderful childhood. At the age of 12, she lost her mother and felt her childhood was cut short. Jeri’s father continued the responsibilities of raising his daughters as a single parent. Jeri went on to lead a very accomplished and successful life.

Jeri was born into membership at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church here in Seattle as a member of one of the pioneering families of New Hope. Later, as a child she accepted Christ as her personal Savior under the guidance and leadership of the late Reverend Dr. C.E. Williams. Jeri rededicated herself and was baptized by Reverend Dr. Robert L. Jeffrey, Sr. Throughout her faithful years at New Hope, Jeri participated in various auxiliaries and ministries including; Sunday school, bible study, choirs, Diaconate Board as the education manager, and parliamentarian. She also found satisfaction and purpose in working with Pastor Jeffrey with the Street Connection Program and continued to serve in other areas as needed until her health failed.

Jeri’s educational journey began with Seattle Public Schools. She attended Madrona Elementary, Meany Junior High, and graduated from Franklin High School in 1973. She furthered her education attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology/Social Welfare in 1977. Later, Jeri continued her education and obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work and licensing through the University of Washington in 1981.

Jeri enjoyed over a forty-year career within the social service field as she was a person who strived for balance and harmony. One of her most memorable employments was with Medina Children’s Services (Seattle) where she mentored teen parents through the Teenage Pregnancy Program (TAPP), she also developed and managed foster care placements. Her final employment was as the Executive Director at Southeast Youth and Family Services (Seattle), retiring in December 2016. 

In the fall of 1974, Jeri was initiated into the Alpha Rho Chapter of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Throughout her years of service, Jeri became a life member and reached Golden status

(50 years) in 2024. As a member from her undergraduate years in Alpha Rho Chapter through her alumni years with Delta Upsilon Omega Chapter, she served as president, vice president, graduate advisor, assistant graduate advisor, membership chairman, and on a variety of committees. At the local chapter level, Jeri was committed to fundraising in support of the non-profit foundation, raising funds for scholarships and participated in community service activities.

Jeri had a quiet yet lively spirit and a personality that was often entertaining. Some of her favorite foods were soul, some Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and chocolate. She also enjoyed listening and singing to gospel, jazz, and R&B music especially from the 50’s through the 70’s. She was an avid sports fan as it related to watching and attending basketball and football games at all levels from children’s to professional athletics.

Jeri’s Story Continues…

Jeri’s hobbies and interests were; attending church, game shows, live theater, reading, shopping, TV, traveling, and writing. In the early 2000’s she along with her bonus sister Gwendolyn Jimerson started an event planning business that they named Milestones. The business planned funerals, parties, reunions, showers, weddings and any special occasion or “milestone” in your life. Jeri  remained active with the business until her health began to fail.  Jeri also had a healthy fear of snakes, spiders, being in a fire and a flood.

Jeri Rose White moved into perfect peace on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Leola “Rose” White; sisters, Johnell D. White, Jackeen D. White; grandson, Meshion Woodruff; aunt, Pearl Prevo; goddaughter, Vonetta Mangaoang-Brodine and other beloved family members too numerous to name.

Jeri leaves to cherish her memory: sister, Janet D. White; daughter, Carol Pinkerton; grandson, Ronald Phillips; great grandchildren, Brandon Ki Phillips, Logan Gross-Buckley, Nyheema Chappell; niece, Seneeka Colly and her son Jaedyn; nephew, Bejrome Hicks and his children Keith, Jade, Johntu; nephew, Quentell Hicks and his children Nicholas, Ariel, Kevin, Darion, Issac, Onynex, Tyrell, Jehkiah, Gabriel; godchildren, Rosario Sprague, Francesca Mangaoang-Brodine, Brittney Witherspoon, Price Jimerson; bonus sisters, Juana Mangoang, Erma Hill, Lynda Clarke, Gwendolyn Jimerson, Aretha Baker Strange, Karen Jeffrey, Tanya Perkins-May (Wayne); bonus brothers, Forest (Ed) Woodley (Sylvia), Duane Hill, Franklin Donahoe, Walter Strange; bonus children, Talya Miller, Dione Johnson, Michael Singleton; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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