Claudia White

Claudia Pearson White, 85, of Statesville, loving mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at Maple Leaf Health Care. She was born April 27, 1926 in Burke County, N.C. and was the daughter of the late Claude and Chessie Whittington Pearson. Mrs. White was a graduate of Scotts High School and Gardner-Webb University. Immediately following WWII, she was hired by Dr. James Davis of Davis Hospital as his personal secretary until his death and then with Dr. Holbrook until his retirement. She remained a dedicated employee with Davis Hospital until her retirement in 1985. She had been a member and an officer of the ABWA (American Business Women's Association) in Statesville and was a lifelong member of Race Street United Methodist Church and later joined Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church. She was also a charter member of Hope United Methodist Church. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and faithfully attended the Lake Junaluska Women's Methodist Conference. Mrs. White was first married to Haywood Childers, then to Robert Field Robinson and to J. Taft White, all who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a son, Jimmy G. Childers, and two sisters, Roberta Hines and Georgia Lomax. Mrs. White is survived by her daughter, Lynne Robinson Brown and husband, Barry, of North Wilkesboro, one son, Donald Wayne Childers of Las Vegas, a grandson, Aaron Newton of Raleigh, two granddaughters, Jessie Brown of Statesville and Sarah Brown of Raleigh. She is further survived by her loving and devoted step-children, Brenda Robinson Milano and Bob Robinson and wife Mary both of Charlotte along step-grand children, Carter Robinson and wife, Kristen, Ashley Milano Barnette and Robyn Milano Townsend (Danny) and their children Shelby and Cassey Townsend. One sister, Estelle P. Rickert and husband, Jim, of Statesville, and their loving children, Jim and Carol Rickert, Patricia and Ricky Benge, John and Derinda Rickert and Debbie and Brian Mason, along with other nieces and nephews, also survive. A celebration of life and memorial service will be conducted 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Doub officiating. The family will visit with friends following the services at the church. A private burial will be on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church, 1947 East Broad Street, Statesville, N.C. 28625, or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, N.C. 28625 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220 The family would like to thank Dr. Carla Pence, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, and her earthly angels at Maple Leaf Health Care, for all of their love and care of Mrs. White. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries. Arrangements for Mrs. White are in the care of Nicholson Funeral Home.