Carolyn White

Carolyn White was the youngest child born to Reuben and Josephine White on August 4, 1949. She attended Philadelphia public schools - McDaniel elementary, Vare Junior High and Bartram High School. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Cheyney University. Before beginning her career with the Philadelphia Department of Recreation, she was a teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Carolyn worked in many recreation centers all over the city. Some small and some large. She took great pride in finding ways to connect with the neighbors and young people who came to her centers. Hosting Mr. and Miss competitions, Aerobics classes for summer youth programs. During her tenure at Marian Anderson Recreation center, she paid homage to Miss Anderson by creating and annual program to celebrate Miss Anderson's life. She worked closely with her recreation leaders to highlight and support their passions such as baseball, basketball and soccer teams, martial arts and programs for young women. She worked with community partners to create a lab for students who did not have access to computers. Weekly cooking classes that taught young people to cook nutritious meals. She offered the use of the center to the community NA and AA classes. There was always something going on in what ever center she worked in. The recreation rec. center was truly a community resource. She also participated in other city events such as Double Dutch contests, Jesse Owens Track and field programs, Penn Relays and Broad Street run. As a child Carolyn was a member of Christian Faith Baptist Church where she was baptized by the late Rev. Joseph Brister. Her father Reuben was also a deacon in the church. She began signing at the age of nine with her older sisters. Her vocal talent would lead to her be invited to the Philadelphia MET theater to perform. She would later become a member of the Tasker Street Baptist Church where she faithfully served on the Courtesy Committee. She was also a member of the James A. Lovett Gospel choir where she used her strong alto voice to minister to the congregation. Her quiet and calm demeanor made her easy to get along with in all of her church affiliations and groups. Being the baby of nine siblings Carolyn had may nieces and nephews. And just like in her job she found ways to connect with them. She was a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend to her nieces and nephews. Taking time with the nephews to go on outings or doing specials activities with the nieces. There are countless family members who will attest to the fact that Aunt Carolyn gave them their first job, took them to dance class, sports competitions and much, much more. She had friendships that dated all the way back to childhood. Even after she retired, she maintained relationships with her former coworkers. While working at Anderson Recreation center she would meet and grow to love the daughter she did not have, Bumi, who would become a significant part of her lifeBefore becoming a mom, Carolyn loved to travel. She enjoyed the Caribbean Islands as well as Europe and took the opportunity to see as much as she could. She and her siblings loved traveling together, Especially to Jamaica. In February 1991, Carolyn gave birth to her one and only child lan Reuben White. She loved him.He would follow in her career footsteps and work in the department of recreation. Her eyes always lit up whenever she spoke about her granddaughter Nala. Carolyn is predeceased by Reuben & Josephine White (parents) Marion Rice(sister), Reuben White (brother), Wilhelmina Wilson (sister), Eleanor Mike (sister).She leaves to mourn lan White, (son) Nala Oshun White (granddaughter) Siblings Mary Wimbush, Isaac White Sr., Josephine Lee, Martha Sharp A host of Nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great - great nieces and nephews.As well as lifelong friends and a loving church family.