Phyllis White

Odessa resident, Phyllis Jane White, passed away December 27, 2015 in her home at the age of 83. Throughout her life, when asked, "How are you?" Phyllis' quick reply was always, "I'm blessed." She truly was blessed with family and good friends who loved her. In return, she blessed everyone around her with a fierce love, joy of life and a vibrant smile.

Phyllis was born April 28, 1932 to Virginia and George McKinney in Oklahoma. She and her family moved to Texarkana, TX at an early age. She graduated from Texarkana Texas High School in 1950 and married the love of her life, William (Bill) Robert White on August 18, 1951. Her first job would always be mother to their son, Robert, whom she adored but Phyllis also had a fulfilling career as a secretary for Exxon and later for the FAA in Midland-Odessa. She was an expert at shorthand, but her real talent was talking with people and creating community wherever she went. Young and old, in any setting, Phyllis brought people together. Phyllis always loved playing bridge, but after retiring, she became an avid bridge player, often traveling to tournaments. Her bridge skills were well known in West Texas and she achieved the title of Silver Life Master, of which she was immensely proud. She enjoyed traveling with friends, visiting relatives and seeing plays and concerts. In addition, Phyllis was a member of First Baptist Church of Odessa, attending since moving to Odessa in 1961.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and George McKinney, her husband, William Robert White and sister, Jimmye Bull.

She is survived by her son, Robert E. White and wife Lori of Odessa; grandson, Robert White Jr. of Austin; brother, George McKinney of Arkansas; sister, Beverly Terry of Texarkana; brother in law, Charles White and wife Madeline of Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am, Monday, January 4, 2016 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Pallbearers will be Neal Holloway, Bryant Holloway, Julian Presley, Kelly Combs, Jimmy Todd, Mason Hulligan and Bobby McCloskey.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, Odessa.

Visitation

Visitation

Sunset Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Sunday, January 3, 2016
4:00-6:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Funeral Home Chapel
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Monday, January 4, 2016
10:00 am

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

First Baptist Church
709 N. Lee Ave.
Odessa, TX  79761