Louise Felts White, 76, of Johnson City, Tenn., passed away Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer. Irma Louise Felts was born in Greenville to William and Irma Felts of Indianola. Louise was one of the first female students admitted to the College of Business at Mississippi State University (MSU) in Starkville, and she subsequently became the first female graduate of the College of Business with a degree in accounting. While in college, she met the love of her life and fellow student, Larry White, and they married and began their life together while still students at MSU. Following their respective graduations, her husband was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, and the young couple lived in Key West, Fla., and Norfolk, Va., during Larry’s active service. Upon his separation from active duty, Louise and Larry relocated to Athens, Ga., where Larry pursued graduate degrees at the University of Georgia. The couple moved to Monroe, Ga., where Larry began working in commercial banking before launching an academic career that took them to faculty positions in Mobile, Ala., at the University of South Alabama, back to Starkville and Mississippi State, and, finally, to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tenn., where they remained until his retirement in 2022 from ETSU, and their subsequent deaths, just over a year apart. Throughout their various relocations, Louise continued to utilize her professional background in accounting to work in various accounting and finance positions in banking and education. She was a proud and devoted parent and grandparent, and her family and many friends will sorely miss her. Louise was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Dr. Larry R. White. She is survived by: her son, James Conrade White (Sissy) of Hudson Oaks, Texas, and grandsons, Campbell, Durham and Garrett; her daughter, Amanda White Charlton (John) of Columbia, S.C., grandson, Isaac Charlton (Kitty) of West Point and granddaughters, Ansley and Emma Charlton; and brother-in-law, Robert White (Laura) of McDonough, Ga. She is also survived by a nephew, Drew White of Marietta, Ga.; and several grand-nephews. A funeral and celebration of Louise and Larry’s lives was held at First Presbyterian Church, Starkville, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, followed by a graveside tribute at Starkville’s Memorial Garden Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Larry and Louise’s greatest passions: Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762. (please note on memo line: The Dr. Larry and Mrs. Louise White Memorial Scholarship Fund; for inquiries contact Kristin Skinner at 662-325-4214). East Tennessee State University Foundation, P.O. Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614. (please note on memo line: In Honor of Dr. Larry and Mrs. Louise White; for inquiries contact Rebecca Huddleston at 423-439-5866). Angel Fund at Appalachian Animal Hospital, 5462 Highway 11 East, Piney Flats, TN 37686. (please note on memo line: Honoring Larry and Louise White; for inquiries contact Glinda Cash at 423-538-8119). You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.
