Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Lily Elizabeth White, L'Gaisk, was born to John Chester (JC) and Eliza Johnson (Dalton) in Excursion Inlet, August 6, 1925. She died in her home on November 7, 2012, in Hoonah Alaska.
Lily was an Eagle, Chookaneidi' of Naanaa Hit (Upper Inlet House). She was child of the T'akdeintaan and grandchild of the Kaagwaantaan. Lily lived her life as a clan instructor and guided her people in cultural heritage. She was very proud to have been of Glacier Bay and her heart was there to her dying day. Lily is a cherished clan instructor who had immeasurable and invaluable knowledge. In her culture, she was a song bearer and respected educator. She traveled to New York, Washington DC, the University of Pennsylvania and to the Smithsonian to identify artifacts. She lobbied for these trips to happen, she said, "All these things have a spirit and are longing to come home." She taught Tlingit Language at the University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau. She was an Integral part of the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative, where she participated in developing curriculum in the classroom. Many materials were developed which are still utilized today. She went on many educational trips to Glacier Bay. She was valued by Sealaska Corporation and Huna Totem Corporation. Tom Thorton, a respected author, interviewed Lily in her home and utilized her information in his book about Glacier Bay. She is respected by individuals of the many paths she crossed during her undertakings.
Lily is survived by her husband Jacob White Sr.; daughters Jacqueline A. Gray, Victoria Watkins, Martha Chanell, Annajo Mercer, Rachel Mercer. Cousins Mary Rudolph and Jacqueline Martin; sons Jacob White Jr., Randall Johnson, Ernest Hillman Jr., and Oliver Hillman; Sister Mabel Lawrence; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sons Joseph White Sr., Irving White, James White (died in infancy) and James Anthony White; daughter Sharon White (died in infancy); nephew John Hinchman, Jr.; niece Janice Ann White; and in-laws Annie and Joseph White.
Pallbearers: Wilbur "Jumbo" James Jr., Eric Morrison, Michael Knudson Jr., James Knudson Jr., Ernest Hillman lll, John I. Hillman, Robert Starbard and Brian James Honorary Pallbearers: Herman Davis, Paul Rudolph, Marlene Johnson, Ruth James, Lillian Hillman, John Martin, Kenneth Grant, Ethel MaKinen, Loretta Ness, Wilma Bacon, Jerry White Sr., and Debbie Picken
22 Entries
Still have a hard time with you not here in this world. Thank you so much for the talk you had with me when I wasn't sure before my brother Larry's party. And the confindence you had in me to keep learning our culture and songs. missing your hugs too.
Jerry Ann Gray
August 1, 2013
Mom Lily, we miss you. Thank you for all your teaching and help. It will not be forgotten.
Ernest & Lillian Hillman
April 13, 2013
its me again. i am still sad because its my first christmas and birthday without her she brought me christmas spirit and made me happy. i miss her so much it still hurts me. i may have not have had her that long but she was a big part of my life as well as with anyone else. and i know you all miss her to. it broke my heart when i found out i couldn't beleave it. we all miss her i will for the rest of my life
Tori Dalton
January 3, 2013
Lil was a great person and we were privileged to know her. We are very sorry we missed the sevices, but we were in Washing with our daughter who is fighting cancer.
Ron & Julie Williams
December 15, 2012
thank you to all the people for your words. i loved my great grandma so much. ill miss her more then anything as much as her son James Anthony White (my grandpa) thank you all
Tori Dalton
December 3, 2012
LILY WAS A GREAT TEACHER US TLINGITS WILL MISS HER A GREAT LOVED SPEAKER
CAROLINE-TOOWUHOUCK'W DEMMERT
November 24, 2012
We the Williams family send our deepest condolences to the White family, the lord be with you always.
Ernie Williams
November 22, 2012
Prayers and condolences to loved ones at this sad time. Rest in peace.
November 19, 2012
its me again Tori Dalton. she was my great grandma. i loved her and i miss her so much right now. and ill remember all the memories i had with her and ill always remember her stories she has told me. i love and miss you grandma :'(
Tori Dalton
November 15, 2012
this is Tori Dalton. i am her great grandchild and i loved her so much and i miss her
Tori Dalton
November 15, 2012
Lily was an inspiration to countless people who had the honor of her teachings. I was in awe in her presence.
Penny Coronell
November 15, 2012
I am eternally grateful to have been re-introduced to my tribal sister Lily during my visit back to Hoonah, my birth place. She touched my heart with her sweetness, warmth and obvious giving nature. Love and prayers to her family.
Bobbie Ann Greenewald Bennett, New Haven Missouri
November 15, 2012
We are all better for having the privelege of knowing you. Thank you for sharing with us. To Jake, you and Lilly gave of yourselves with no questions; we appreciate you.
J Wise
November 14, 2012
Many Thanks for all that you have taught us, you will be missed. I've learned alot and enjoyed listening to all your songs and stories that you have taught us. The students from the Hoonah City Schools were Lucky to have you on their Trips to Glacier Bay. . .The History that you shared with them I'm sure they will never forget
Grace Villarreal
November 14, 2012
Gunal'cheesh Auntie Lil for sharing your history,stories,life,knowledge and love to so many. I will forever remember the smiles and hugs you so freely gave everytime I saw you. Gunal'cheesh for being a wonderful teacher, Aunt, and friend. Ixsixan
Mary Suzi
November 14, 2012
It has been an honor and a privilege to know Lily White over the past decade and hear her stories and teachings on our many trips into Glacier Bay with the Children and Elders. She will be missed.
Lennie Gorsuch
November 14, 2012
What a tremendous legacy she has left. I know she is telling us all to stay strong. I can imagine her joy when she is greeted by her family in Heaven. Let us concentrate on all of the fond memories to help us through this difficult time. Peace and prayers to the family.
Carol Williams
November 14, 2012
I am very sorry for your loss, Lily was blessed to live a long, interesting life with many happy memories. May the family cherish the good times together as you draw close to God for comfort and peace. James 4:8.
Sandra Smith
November 14, 2012
You will be missed I sure appreciate you teaching me our culture.
Angela Michaud
November 13, 2012
I remember the Inian Island fishing days. and coming into Hoonah for the weekends. I remember you,Lily and Jake. I miss you both.
Edward Sarabia, Jr.
November 13, 2012
We will miss you Lily. Thank you for all the help and teaching you have done the past 40 year.
Marlene Johnson
November 13, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
LaVerne (S'eiltin) Wise (Cook)
November 13, 2012
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more