Mrs. Marion Arlena White, 76 of Charlotte, departed this life on October 20, 2021 at Atrium Health Main.  She was born September 6, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Marie and William J. Spence, Jr.  She was one of five children William J. III, Marion, Valena, Ronald, and Janice.  Marion was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. LeRoy White.

Marion and LeRoy married in 1971.  Marion was the mother of two children, Michael, age eight, and Tracie, age five.  Through Marion and LeRoy's union, Nneka and Shomari were born.  They relocated the family to Washington, D.C., in 1977.  The family were members of Refreshing Springs Church of God In Christ in Riverdale, MD.  In her early years at Refreshing Springs, Marion served wherever she was needed, including Little Folks, the church's daycare center.  Marion also served as President of the Minister's Wives Club until her husband answered the call to pastor in 1988.  Marion worked diligently alongside her husband in launching, New Testament Ministries.  Marion was the epitome of a strong, caring, loving First Lady and prayer warrior.

Due to illness, in 2009, Dr. LeRoy White retired from pastoring New Testament Ministries.  He and Mother White joined True Believer's Ministries, where their son Michael L. Barnes is pastor.  Mother White continued in ministry leading the Mother's Board and Hospitality Department and serving as a Usher, Prayer Team Intercessor and on the Health and Wellness Board.  Mother White worked tirelessly in ministry behind the scenes, feeding everyone spiritually, physically and emotionally.  Mother White truly had a heart of love.  She had a way of making everyone feel uniquely and individually special.  In her free time, Mother White enjoyed baking, (everybody knows about the buttery pound cake, sweet potato pies, mouthwatering, homemade rolls, and oatmeal cookies), crocheting and spending time with her family, including her spiritually adopted grandchildren (you know who you are).

In 2017 LeRoy and Marion relocated to Charlotte, N.C., where they would continue in ministry with their son Pastor Shomari L. White at Have Life Ministries.  There, Mother White served on the Hospitality Team.

Mario was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.  Marion worked at Institute Scrap Recycling Industries as a facilities manager for 37 years and retired.

Marion leaves to rejoice in the loving memories of her life: her children Michael Barnes, Tracie Barnes, Nneka Collins, Shomari White Sr.; Daughters-in-law: Shelia Barnes, Jacque' White; Son-in-law: Antjuan Collins Sr.; Grandchildren: Daniel, Mikalya, Michael II, Deven, Eboni, Justin Jr., Tashara, Erin, Nala, Antjuan Jr., Diamond (Thomas), Shomari Jr., Jayden, Maximus; Great grandchildren: Messiah, Hailey, Wyatt; Godchildren; Whitney, Maria, James; best friend, Maudene Perry, nieces, nephews, and favorite people.