Patricia Godbolt White

1942 - 2015

Patricia Godbolt White

Norfolk - Patricia Godbolt White was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1942. She was the oldest of six children born to the late Mary Helen Stith. Patricia made history as one of the Norfolk 17, the first group of black students to desegregate public schools in Virginia. As a 1960 honor graduate of Norview High School, she was the first black to graduate from a desegregated school in Virginia. She continued to make history in 1964 as the first black female graduate of Washington College (Chestertown, Maryland), with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Patricia was also the top honor graduate from her graduating class at Norfolk State University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Urban Studies, Education Component.

Patricia became an educator for Norfolk Public Schools and taught the majority of her career at Booker T. Washington High School. She retired in 2007 after 42 years of dedicated service.

She held memberships in numerous professional, civic and education organizations at the local, state and national levels. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Les Gemmes, Inc.

Patricia was preceded in death by her mother Mary Helen Stith and her sister Tanya Owens. She is survived by her three children Louis White, Jr. (Joy), Patrice White Jones and Lavell White (Adia). Patricia, who is endearingly referred to as Yia-Yia, is also survived by 8 grandchildren Darrius, Sheridan, Kennedy, Joshua, Okpara, Ryan, Jalyn and Kendall; loving sister Trevia Taylor, faithful brothers James Stith, Donnavan Stith, Sr. and Ricky Stith; nieces Dysisca Stith, Demetria Fitzgerald (Justin) and Kia Taylor; nephews Donnavan Stith, Jr. and Keon Stith; and a host of other family and friends.

The viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015 from 7:30pm-8:30pm at Metropolitan Funeral Service, 7246 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23505. The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church Bute Street, 418 E. Bute Street, Norfolk, VA 23510. Patricia will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 8100 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.