Mother Mary Etta White

Mary Etta (Matthews) White was born on July 9, 1936, in Blackville, South Carolina to the late Andrew Matthews, Sr., and Mary (Bradley) Matthews. She departed this life on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina at the age of 88. Mary was the seventh of nine children. As a child, her family moved to Wilmington, Delaware. She received her education in the Wilmington, Delaware public schools. During her youth, Mary loved baseball and aspired to become a cosmetologist.

In 1953, Mary united in marriage to the love of her life, Pezavia O’Connell White, Sr., D.D. To this union were born six loving, dedicated children: Pezavia, Jr., Marshall, Sheila, Vanessa, Dean, and David.

 Mary was recognized and revered as a woman of God. In addition to her commitment to the lord, she was a successful business partner for two companies. In 1963, Mary and her husband established one of Wilmington's most distinguished businesses for many years, White's Janitorial Services. With the help of their children, the company at its height had over 350 employees. Additionally, in the early 1980s, Mary and Pezavia opened one of Wilmington's most renowned restaurants, The Fish and Chicken on 30th and Market Street, which many patrons from Wilmington and surrounding cities frequented for nearly 1O years.

 Mary was a humble servant of the Lord and a lifetime member of Bethel Pentecostal Church in Wilmington, Delaware for more than 50 years. In 1998, she supported her husband in establishing New Life Ministries. On May 5, 2002, the church had its inaugural dedication service. Mary served as the first lady of the church until her husband passed away in 2006. She continued the ministry and her commitment by serving as the Pastor of the congregation through 2012. when she retired.

Mary wanted God to get the glory and praise in all things. She was a prayerful and faithful servant of the lord. Mary had unconditional love of family, kindness, faith, and resilience and will forever be remembered for her beautiful spirit.

Mary White was predeceased by her late husband Pastor Pezavia O. White Sr., D.D. II, son Pezavia O. White, Jr., daughter Sheila L. Lewis, daughter-in-law, Terry White, son-in-law Clyde Webster and siblings Lillie Mae Fortt, Simon Matthews, Andrew Matthews, Phillip Mattews, Oscar Matthews, John Matthews and Michael Matthews, brothers-in-law: William J. White, Jr. and Pastor James O'Dell White, Sr.; sisters-in-law: June M.; and sisters-in-law: Anna Ruth Matthews and Dorothy Matthews.

Mary Etta White leaves loving, cherished memories to her son Marshall L. White, daughter Vanessa J. Webster, son Dean O. White and wife Mary, son David M. White, Sr., daughter-in­-law Linda White, and son-in-law Micheal Lewis; brother James Matthew (Maude Matthews), sisters-in-law: Minister Gloria M. Nichols. Mary White is also survived by her twenty-nine grandchildren: Shinia White, Pezavia O. White Ill, Stephen L. White, Ph.D. and wife Dawn, Syreeta L. Deer and husband Marvin, Shannon L. Fisher and wife Kineta, Sophia L. Fisher, Samuel Jacobs, Marshall Person, Frank Johnson, Andre Lively, Marguerite L. White, Tamika Harris and husband Kevin, Timothy Minus, Travis Minus and wife Joy, Tehran Minus, Tina Minus, David Fletcher, Charisma Redding, Maressa Redding, David M. White, Jr., Davette White, Orien Smith, O'Ryan White, and Kanijaee Lloyd; sixty-three great grandchildren and eighteen great-great grandchildren; a host of loving and supportive nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, eleven loving god children: Pastor Leroy Harris, Elder Crystal Shaw, Cedric Fountain, Jr., Brittany White, Aaron Shaw, Danielle Bordley, William R. Hunter, Jr., James Wilmore Jr., Mosses Poe, Natalie Wilmore, Elder Michelle Bordley and Bridget Griffin; many other loving family members, and numerous friends