Suzette White

In loving remembrance of Suzette Maddox White, who graced this world with her infectious warmth and wisdom, we gather to honor a life that has touched many. Born on February 2, 1951, in Alice, Texas, Suzette, affectionately known as Suzy, brought forth a legacy of love, devotion, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. After a long and fulfilling journey, she departed this life on January 8, 2025, leaving behind a tapestry rich in memories, accomplishments, and the indelible mark of her loving spirit.

Suzy's early career began at Raglands in Kingsville, Tx, while working there, she practiced her passion for sewing; setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and education. Graduating with a degree in English from Texas A&I, she initially aspired to be a journalist but soon chose the noble path of elementary education. She married her beloved Franklin White at the tender age of 20, and together they embarked on a remarkable adventure that centered around family and nurturing young minds. As an educator, she taught at Driscoll ISD elementary, where, alongside Franklin, then the principal and superintendent, they laid a strong foundation for their only son, O’Ryan.

Suzy's dedication to education flourished further at Ricardo ISD, where her remarkable talents were recognized with the prestigious Region Two Teacher of the Year award in 1995 as a third-grade teacher. After her first retirement, she returned to her passion of elementary education at Epiphany Episcopal School, where her bond with her former colleague, Peggy DeRouen, as headmistress, forged memories that would last a lifetime. Following her second retirement after the passing of her stepfather, John Castellaw, she embraced the role of owner and operator of the Flower Box in Kingsville, becoming a familiar presence in the community much like her mother, Polly, had been. In 2018, she retired from the Flower Box, marking a significant chapter after the loss of her beloved Franklin. She returned to Epiphany school briefly and would continue to Saint Anthony Catholic School in Robstown, further developing her faith as a Catholic and continuing to transform her students as a beloved fifth-grade teacher.

The memories created with her family were plentiful and cherished. Car rides over to Kings Inn in the dusk for special dinners with family were always a delight. Suzette would greet the hostess and the legion of people who worked and ate there, sweetly demanding the waiter and table she wanted, ordering for her party, often way more than could be consumed, insisting on the smallest oysters, and ending up loving the french fries best. Rides home in the dark often included listening to mix tapes of “Franklin’s Music” and singing along loudly, regardless of whether or not the tune could be held. There was also the afternoon after her mother’s passing, Suzy and her sister-in-law Cynthia were cleaning the shoes out of her mother, Polly’s, closet. There were literally a hundred pairs of shoes, often the same shoe in every color. Despite Cynthia’s admonishment, Suzette asserted that this was absolutely appropriate, saying “If you like it, buy it - and buy it in every color.”

Even with her long-standing hearing impairment, Suzy's spirit never wavered; the day she received hearing aids was a remarkable moment filled with tears of joy as she discovered the world of sounds previously unknown to her. It was on that day she realized that some doors jingle when you open them, the woman behind the glass partition is meant to be heard not lip read and that the car turn signal often includes a clicking sound, a magnificent moment. 

Traveling with one of her longest, dearest friends and former colleagues, Marlett Bahn was a cherished series of memories for Suzy in her later years. Visiting her long-time childhood friend Marsha Brown in Temple, Dr. Bob and Patty Murphy in Alabama and a host of local adventures were among Suzy’s most delighting outings.

Her grandchildren, Zoe and Ian, stood at the pinnacle of her proudest accomplishments. Suzy's legacy is vividly painted with holiday gatherings, crafts, baking, and the simple joy of sharing stories and laughter with her grandbabies, reflecting her heart's true devotion. Always the consummate caregiver, Suzy's commitment to bettering the lives of others burned brightly, whether it was through teaching or offering help at the Flower Box; she never missed a valentine’s day or an opportunity to decorate. She passionately believed that anyone willing to learn could grow, sharing her knowledge and love of flowers with all who crossed her path.

Within the community, she was more than just a teacher; she was affectionately known as "mama Mia”, “a damn fine cook”, and “my favorite old lady”. Her brother-in-law, Dr. Orion White often remarked on how Franklin was “the luckiest member of the family” for marrying someone so extraordinary. Her engaging presence at any event was well-known, as many would stop to say, “Oh, Mrs. White! You are/were my favorite teacher!”. It was evident that she left a lasting impact, inspiring countless young minds and providing each individual with a momentary connection that felt both privileged and cherished. Suzy never met a stranger, she saw everyone as a sibling, son, daughter or grandchild.

As we reflect on the life of Suzette White, we celebrate a woman whose unwavering love, resilience, and commitment to uplifting those around her renders the world a significantly less vibrant place without her. Her embodiment of kindness and her nurturing spirit shall forever echo within the hearts of everyone she touched. As we bid farewell to this beautiful soul, may we strive to honor her legacy by nurturing our bonds with one another, embodying the very principles she lived by, and spreading love as freely as she did throughout her life.

Suzy is preceded in death by her loving husband, Franklin White; and parents, Francis Emory and Pauline Sealy Maddox.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her son, O’Ryan (Griselda) White; granddaughter, Zoe White; grandson, Ian White; and many cousins, friends, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church. A rite of committal and interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.