Helen Frances Pearson White

Silsbee, Texas

Helen Frances Pearson White, 81, of Silsbee, Texas, formerly of Manila, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, at her home. Born in the Bucoda, Mo., community, she was raised in Manila and had lived in Silsbee since 1964. She attended the University of Arkansas and after earning her masters degree, taught language arts. She was also a realtor and along with her husband, served as a tour director for their own travel agency. They traveled extensively in Europe which allowed Mrs. White to further her studies in France and Spain. She was active in her local community where she started the program for Human Services, was a member of the Hardin County tourist board, the County Association for Retarded Persons and president of Silsbee Library Advisory Board. She was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of the "Old Silsbee Ice House," a noted landmark in the city.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. White was preceded in death by her brother, Sidney J. Pearson, and her aunt and uncle, Thelma and Kendall Berry.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years Jewel Porter (J.P.) White of the home; a son, John Pat White and wife, Becky, of Silsbee, Texas; two daughters, Sydney White Wilson and husband, John, of Houston, Texas, and Betty Ann White Williford of Conroe, Texas; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held at 11 a.m. Friday at Howard Funeral Chapel in Manila with Rev. Doyne Robertson officiating. Burial was in the Manila Cemetery.

Pallbearers were John K. Wilson, John Pat White, II, Rick Pearson, Ricky Cherry, Bobby White and Jimmy White.

Friends may e-mail condolences to the family at www.howardfuneralservice.com.