Patricia Anne White

Patricia Anne White, née Terry, 80, of Cumming, GA, died at her home on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, after a long battle with COPD. She was born February 28, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd Terry and Margaret Belle Terry. Margaret later married Joseph G. Bogatz who became Patricia's step-father and papa to her children.


Patricia grew up as an active member in a Methodist church. She graduated from Tech High school in Omaha and was a member of many groups, including the Glee Club and chorus. She had a beautiful voice. She loved to dance, and she'd only allow the "good dancers" to sign her dance card. She became a candy striper as a young girl and knew early on that she wanted to become a nurse. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1960 with a B.S. degree in Nursing. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Massachusetts and worked for Worcester State Hospital.


She married George Robert Emmett White Jr., (from MA) on November 24, 1961, in Spencer, MA. Following the birth of their first daughter Heather, Patricia and George moved back to Omaha in 1963. She worked at Douglas County Hospital from 1963 until 1968. She and George welcomed two more children during their time in Omaha, a daughter Shawn, and their first son George.


The family moved to Wisconsin in 1969, where Patricia worked as an RN for Wisconsin Regional Medical Center. In 1970, they moved to Baltimore, Maryland. She worked as an RN for Maryland General Hospital where she also became a teacher for nursing students at the hospital.


While living and working in the Baltimore area, Patricia and George had two more sons, Patrick (they delivered him at home!), and Nathaniel.


In 1976, they moved to Williamsport, Maryland. Patricia worked as a Diabetes Specialist and Educator for City Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. She ended her career at the Berkeley County Health Department in Martinsburg. She retired from nursing in 2001.


Upon retiring, Patricia and George moved to Lincoln, California where they lived until 2014. During their time in California, Patricia became active in the Red Hat Society, and was stunning in her red hats. She (we) discovered that she had a hidden talent as an artist. She took art lessons in acrylic painting and before long, she was taking home many awards of which she was very proud. The art instructor had to ban her from competing! She was most proud of the Christmas village she put together each Christmas. Her portrayal of scenes of villages and towns took on a life of its own. Her creation filled most of their living room. She was delighted to be highlighted in the local newspaper. It was quite a sight to see. In August 2014, Patricia and George moved to Georgia to be closer to their family.

Due to complications from COPD, Patricia was placed under in-patient hospice care in November 2018. After two weeks, she was able to return home. She became stable and was limited but active once again. In these last 7 months, her family was able to share Thanksgiving together. Patricia and George celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. She was able to sing Christmas carols with her family and enjoy her Christmas decorations. She decorated a beautiful gingerbread house! In February, she celebrated a happy 80th birthday with family. Easter was a beautiful day when she left her home for the first time since she became ill in November. The family enjoyed sunshine, great food, great conversations, and great happiness. Mother's Day was a day filled with love and admiration and gratitude with her children. She received lots of flowers and caramels (her favorite), phone calls and an abundance of love.


Her passing saddens us all. We know and are grateful that her suffering is over. We lost a wonderful and loving wife and mother. She is in Heaven dancing and singing and painting and laughing with Jesus and her loved ones. She will be missed, but she left us knowing that she had accomplished many things and was loved by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband George Robert Emmett White Jr. of Cumming, Georgia; five children, Heather Ernst (Bill) of Dawsonville, GA, Shawn Hurt (Mark) of Asheville, NC, George White III (Shawn) of Denver, CO, Patrick White (Amy) of Point of Rocks, MD, Nathaniel White of Cleveland, GA; 6 grandchildren, Breanna Ernst, Preston Ernst of Georgia, Joshua White, Christian White of North Carolina, Katherine White, and Hannah White of Maryland; 2 great grandchildren; a brother, William Terry (Karen) of Omaha, NE along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Bogatz, step-father Joseph Bogatz, and father Lloyd Terry.

She has left a part of herself in each of us, from the love of cooking and gardening, to the love of dancing and singing, picnics, nature and music. We will miss her very much.


The family is planning a private service to be held in their home.

Our family extends our gratitude to:
Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care
8013 Majors Rd.
Cumming, GA 30004