TRIBUTE TO “LOUISE”

Beauty, intelligence, athleticism, perseverance, strength, and love. These are some of the words that easily describe Mary Louise Brown White.

Born on December 18, 1927, she married Philip ‘Kid” White on December 24, 1946, and left this earth for heaven on August 16, 1969. Along the way, she and Kid welcomed six children to the family — one of whom (Philipina Louise) would precede her in death.

Louise’s movie star beauty was matched by her intelligence and athleticism. A Lena Horn lookalike, she was a straight A student in school and later insisted that every one of her children strive to reach their fullest potential.

A relatively petite woman (about 5 feet, 5 inches tall), she possessed extraordinary athletic talent — physical strength, coordination, and speed. In Raleigh, WV, where she grew up, Louise was known as one of the best baseball players around. It was during a competitive baseball game that she met another talented ball player and future husband – Kid White.

Louise’s strength of character, love for family, and strong faith in God saw her through many hard times after the coal mining economy collapsed in West Virginia during the late 1950’s. Poverty ruled the lives of those left in the coal camp. Nonetheless, Louise’s fierce determination to keep her family safe, fed, and on the path to education and a better life never faltered. She worked tirelessly until her final days to move her family forward. Rest well, beloved!