Juanita Pettice White, 96, of Charlotte, NC, was called to rest eternally in the house of the Lord, on Friday, February 23, 2024 while resting peacefully at home in Huntersville, NC. Juanita was born on June 5, 1927 in Charlotte, NC, the firstborn child of Rev. Charles Anthony Pettice and Hattie Lou Avery Pettice. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her sister Avery Pettice Cooper, her son Joseph W. "Sunny Joe" White III, and her former husband Joseph W. White, Jr.

A fervent love of God and devout faithfulness remained bedrock principles by which Juanita lived. In her own words, she "oved and dedicated her life to God". She steadfastly believed that closeness to God most prevalently arose through Christian Fellowship and stewardship. Always reminding her loved ones, "from whence (our) gifts hath come", remained of utmost importance to Juanita. She upheld the values of her faith in service to her church, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, of Charlotte. As an active church member for over 50 years, Juanita served a wide range of roles and church functions including, the Sheepfold of Bartholomew, Vacation Bible School, the Centennial Editorial Staff, 1990 Women's Day Committee, and the Breakfast Club.

In 1953, Juanita was married to Joseph William White, Jr., of Charlotte. Their union was blessed with the birth of two sons, Joseph W. ("Sunny Joe") White III and Gosnell A. ("Rusty") White. The familial love they shared extended even beyond childbirth to the parentage of a third son, Aaron ("Tim") Lewis.

Always a brilliant student, Juanita graduated near the top of her class from Second Ward High School in 1944. Juanita went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in French and English from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC at the age of 19. While at Bennett, Juanita joined the esteemed Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Recognized officially among the Bennett graduating Class of 1948, Juanita remained a proud Bennett Belle throughout her life.

Juanita was hired in 1945 by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education to serve her alma mater, Second Ward, where she taught Language Arts and French. In the early sixties Juanita went on to teach French and English at Torrence-Lytle, Juanita-the ever-pursuant learner-earned her Master's Degree in French from Appalachian State University. Juanita also taught French and English at Hawthorne, Jr. High and at Ranson Jr. High. She worked as a staff advisor and editor of multiple school newspapers and yearbooks along the way. Following 42 years if educated retired from Ranson Junior High in 1987. Known affectionately to her family, her dearest students, and countless friends as "Mama Neet" or "Momma White", her positive impact was immeasurably far-reaching. She helped shape enumerable lives within her community, and beyond. Mrs. White's  contributions as an educator spanned, not years, but generations.

Juanita loved to travel, to dance, and to entertain groups large and small. Socializing and fraternizing with family and friends remained among her chief joys. Juanita would always have an infectious smile or a kind and encouraging word to uplift anyone who crossed her path. Driven by her sense of duty to community, Juanita and served many civic clubs. She was a Charter Member of The Epicureans, a member of Las Reinas Pincohle Club and a member of the Pincohle Bugs.

Whether it was on First Sunday, as she'd say, "at the church house", or at a weekday luncheon with the "Golden Girls", Juanita would always appear, elegant, dignified, and sophisticated. Juanita loved to showcase her style, her class, and her panache vai unmistakable color-coordinated ensembles, gorgeous hats, bejeweled brooches, beautiful belts to name a few!

Juanita leaves to celebrate her life and legacy, sons, Gosnell A. White of Charlotte,N.C. and Aaron "Tim" (Kim) Lewis of Mobile, AL; sister, Charlie Mae (Jeweus) Craig of Charlotte, NC; her adoptive daughter of divine intervention (the "Ruth" to her Naomi"...)  Gina M. White of Charlotte, NC; grandsons Damion (Stephanie) White of Austin, TX, Isaiah White of Charlotte, NC, Zachary Lewis of Mobile, AL; great-grandaughters,Thea White of Austin, X, Chastity Boyett of Austin, TX; and a number of cousin, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.