Betty Joe (Handy) White

Betty Joe Handy-White was born on April 21, 1950,

to the late Enoch Handy Jr. and Dorothy Corine “Doll Sue” Burris.
 

Betty Joe was a tenacious prayer warrior that made positive contributions to the lives of everyone that she met. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, planting flowers, taking care of her fur babies, and talking about her children and grandchildren.
 

Betty Joe was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas but spent her early childhood years in Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her parents. Her summers were spent in Jackson, Tennessee with the Burris, and Curry families (Theodor Burris, Helen Osborne, Thomas Curry, Joann Curry, Freddy Joyce & Roosevelt Burris) and Tallulah, Louisiana with the Handy Family (Sadie Wilson, Bessie Robinson, & Leon Mason Sr.).
 

She often spoke of her fond childhood memories, which include her baptism at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. Her grandfather, Deacon Dan Burris assisted with the baptism.

Upon returning to Pine Bluff, she met the love of her life Lawrence Edward White Sr. as well as many friends that over the years became family the Late Ms. Ella, best friend Brenda, Bubba, Bertina, Canary, and the entire Hammond, Tidwell & Alexander Families. 

Betty Joe had a gift for helping others and often made personal sacrifices to ensure that the needs of others were taken care of. She was small in frame and stature but had a big caring heart of GOLD. She never met a stranger and was known for being very frank and to the point. Her advice was always confidential and full of wisdom (Titus 2:3-5).

Betty Joe served as a Minister of the Gospel and was ordained by the late John L. Simmons. She was a mentor, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother that was known for her cooking, baking, generosity, whoopings and for telling it like it is “don’t ask me a question if you can’t handle the truth”. 

51 years of marriage to her childhood sweetheart. A role that she was faithful and devoted to. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health she was the epitome of a loving wife. She was a doting, nurturing, protective and loving mother who did not spare the rod. She was an advocate for family traditions and unity “A family that prays together stays together”. She was often called “Momma White” by soldiers and their family members to whom she provided love, guidance, support, and fervent prayers.

Betty Joe received numerous accolades and promotions that acknowledged her work principles, managerial skills, and character. She was a selfless leader and professional that cared for co-workers, employees, and customers like family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband–Lawrence Edward White Sr.; father–Enoch Handy Jr.; mother–Dorothy Corine Burris; stepfather–Willie Charles “WC” Day; brother–James Edward Handy; daughter–Monica Lorraine White and grandson–Lawrence Edward White III.

This Matriarch leaves to cherish her memories:
 

Children

Children are a gift from the hey are a reward from Him.         

Psalms 127:3 NLT

Two sons–Lawrence Edward White Jr. of Clarksville, TN; Son-n-Love–Clinton Wayne Parker Sr., of Huntsville, AL; Two daughters–Dorothy Denise White Parker of Huntsville, AL; and Daughter-n-Love–Cheria Peterson-White of Clarksville, TN.

Grandchildren

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged; Proverbs 17:6 ESV

Vincent Edward White, Tanesha Denise Williams, and Anisha Williams-Brown (Daryl) all of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Candice Latrice Parker, of Atlanta GA; Miranda Lashaun Parker, Clinton “CJ” Parker Jr., and Larenzo Summerville, of Houston, TX; Lawrence Edward White IV, Fort Bliss, TX; Zhane’ White, of Katy, TX; and Ezekiel James White, of Clarksville, TN.

Great Grandchildren

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31 ESV

Morghan Lorraine Williams, Malik Johnson & Anayla Johnson all of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Mariah Lorraine House-Parker, of Huntsville, AL, Reginald & Ramiya Williams of Atlanta, GA, and A’Briannah Grace White, of Katy, TX.

Siblings

One sister Zoe Ann Handy and one brother Anthony L. Handy both of Portland, Oregon.

Irma Tidwell Williams, John Roy Tidwell, Kelvin Tidwell & Melvin Tidwell of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

 

As well as a host of other close relatives and friends

Levan Burris (Shirley), Ricky King and Francis White; Her in-laws, The White, Thomas & Alexander Families–Clifton (Peggy), James, Margret (Charles), Evelyn (Frank), Brenda and Marie. 

“WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.”

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