Lilley White 1919-2025

She was born Nov. 27, 1919, in Fairburn, Georgia, the daughter of Oscar Rainey and Lollie Rainey Pickett. Lilley resided in the area for 93 years, coming from Cleveland.

She received her education from Howland High School, Warren Business College and the Renee School of Cosmetology. She received her cosmetology and manager’s license and worked at Town and Country Beauty Salon.

Lilley was a reporter for the Cleveland Call & Post in Cleveland. Her most vivid memory as a reporter was the interview with world heavyweight champion, the late Joe Louis.

She also worked for Packard Electric and General Electric, retiring in 1983 from General Electric. She was employed with Hampshire House for 10 years as a manager before retiring in 2002.

She was a member of Second Baptist Church, one of the charter members of the Warren Civic League, the Volunteer Council Club and the Zan Zeck Club, and enjoyed gospel music, drawing and gardening.

She married Perry White on Aug. 5, 1971; he died Nov. 20, 2011.

Left to mourn her are one daughter, Mrs. Sandra (Harry) Pugh of Warren; one sister, Ms. Willie Mae Jenkins of California; four grandsons, Attorney Stanley (Patricia) Elkins of Braceville Township, Ronald B. Elkins Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, Stephen (Donna) Bryant of Warren and Joseph Bryant III of Cortland; eight granddaughters, Ms. Sharon Elkins of Tacoma, Washington, Mrs. Vanessa Elkins (Tony) Bryant-Rogers of McDonough, Georgia, Dr. Charlene Pugh of Stockbridge, Georgia, Mrs. Tanya Bryant-Collins of Hampton, Georgia, Mrs. Celeste (Devon) Hall of Milton, Georgia, Ms. Tami Elkins of McDonough, Georgia, and Mrs. Tiffany Bryant-Abdulsamah and Mrs. Kimberly (Ette) Bryant-Ntekim, both of California; 28 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Mrs. Geraldine Bryant; and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Joseph R. Bryant; one daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Elkins; one brother, Walter Pickett; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Second Baptist Church, with calling hours 10 to 11 a.m.

Burial will take place in Pineview Memorial Park Cemetery.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home.

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