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Evelyn Davidson White

FUNERAL HOME

McGuire Funeral Service, Inc.

7400 Georgia Avenue NW

Washington, District of Columbia

Evelyn White Obituary

WHITE
EVELYN DAVIDSON WHITE

(Retired Professor of Music,

Director of the Howard University Choir

and the Evelyn White Chamber Singers)

On Monday, July 2, 2007 of Washington, DC. Devoted wife of the late James Patrick White. She is survived by two nieces Sharon Robinson Ledbetter (Titus) and Sylvia Robinson; two great-nieces Cherice and Crystal Ledbetter; one great-nephew Titus Ledbetter, III; and a devoted godson James Holiday. Also survived by many other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 10, at 12 noon, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suiltland, Md. A memorial service and concert will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 11 a.m. at People's Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. N.W. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a music scholarship that will be established in her name. Arrangements by McGUIRE.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 8, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn White

Sponsored by James T. Holliday.

54 Entries

Rodney Morgan Brown

July 2, 2024

Mrs. White was monumental presence in my musical life because her influence and guidance had a major effect in my life and the education I pursued beyond Howard University.

kehembe

July 3, 2023

We all continue to keep Prof. White in our hearts and memory. She gave us so much of the foundations required for good musicianship. Forever thankful for her wisdom and knowledge.

Charles Timbrell

July 2, 2023

Wonderful memories!

Veronica R. Johnson

July 9, 2021

I miss and love you so very much. What I wouldn't give for more time with you. Aunt Lyn, so loving, understanding, tolerant and beautiful through and through. I listened to you sing "Thanks Be to Thee" and I felt blessed to hear it. I love and miss you always, Ronnie

Kehembe

July 3, 2020

Yesterday a bunch of us listed our wonderful memories of Mrs. White. She was a true scholar and a gem of a teacher. We continue to miss her. She had a major impact on our music careers.

Mattie E Bailey Sullivan

July 3, 2020

Mother White was a wonderfully inspiring lover and instructor of music. It was her expectation that each nuance would be mastered so that our blended voices would not only honor the composer but ultimately that God would be honored and glorified. I awakened this morning humming 'In that "Ride on King Jesus". What memories I thought of.
Mother White thank you for your kindness. Your work continues to shape my life, over fifty years later. Rest on.

Veronica Johnson

July 2, 2020

As I sign this remembrance book again, I do so knowing that I dreamt about Aunt Lyn last night... I have often said that I would give anything to re-live just a few moments with her. When you memorize someones eyes, the movement of her beautiful, graceful, expressive hands that had a way of drawing from you that which you did not even know you had...words fail. When you can remember the glimmer in her eyes, in class when she sees you conduct your final exam, In the beginning, and the smile, followed by, that was good work. Or the next when someone missed it in sight singing class... When you remember the storys of Sister Walker, singing on the excitement, and memorizing the 91st Psalm... the look of absolute love in her eyes, even though her heart wept, as we sang the John Rutter A Choral Amen, and the beauty that radiated from within as we sang Wendell Whalums Hes the Lily of the Valley, then I know that Evelyn Davidson White will always live in my heart. There is not a day that closes that I do not think of her. I miss her like I miss my mother. So today, it is with gratitude in my heart that I remember the person who had the most influence on me, next to my own mother. There was Mrs. White, and Aunt Lyn... who left an indelible print of love in my heart and soul. I miss you so much Aunt Lyn, and I thank God for the time that we shared. Thank you for the vision you had in me, that I couldnt see. Thank you for showing me what it is really like to live the life of love.

Rodney Morgan Brown

July 2, 2020

As I look back again to my early days at the School of Music, I recall her leadership and "can do" attitude. I looked to her during many of my days there. She was more than an inspiration to me. She was my life.

kehembe v eichelberger

July 3, 2019

We shall never forget this powerful pedagogue .

Theodore Brooks, DDS, MPH

July 2, 2019

Though she is gone, I still have warm memories of singing in the choir that she and Dean Lawson directed.

Charles Timbrell

July 2, 2019

She was an inspiring teacher, good friend, and ardent supporter who made me feel welcome at Howard for many years. Charles Timbrell, Emeritus Professor of Music, Howard University

Kehembe V Eichelberger

April 19, 2017

Just called her name yesterday while remembering the major influence Mother White had on my music skill set. My music ancestors continue to watch our back.

WN Middleton

April 18, 2017

If you are in the Washington, DC are this weekend, the Office of the Dean of the Chapel of Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel will have a tribute to the past conductors of the Howard University/Chapel Choir. The lead conductor will be Dr. J. Weldon Norris with recognition of Dean Warner Lawson, Professor Evelyn Amanda Davidson White, Mr. Arphelius Paul Gatling, Mrs. Linda Edge Gatling and Mr. Ned Lewis. Join us in honoring their collective legacies and works.

Rodney Morgan Brown

July 11, 2011

In addition to being a superior educator, and an inspiring person, she was an outstanding conductor and showed love and empathy for me, a young and backward student...I love her memory to this day

July 11, 2011

July 11, 20011

There is much joy in my heart as i remember and think of the great blessing of being associated with Evelyn White and experiencing the gladness of loving her and being loved by her. Today Jimmy, I thank you for all that you do and have done to complete her wishes and to keep all of us informed. Although we know that we celebrate an era that has ended, we can still enjoy and be thankful that we can remember and communicate with others who feel the same. Hello to you all and may God continue to bless you and keep us inn His perfect love. Let us bless the Lord and all that is in us praise His holy name. Lorraine Faxio

July 11, 2011

Ms. White did something for me that no other educator has ever done in quite the same manner. She taught me that class began promptly at 8:10 am, and that even though you may have arrived later and been marked absent, you were fully expected to participate. Those "absences" lowered your grade, but once in class her teaching encouraged you to be on time so you wouldn't lose those points again. I will always be grateful for those life lessons.

Gwendolyn Jenifer, Fort Washington, MD

Jimmy Holliday

July 11, 2011

Dear friends and choir members,
I was deeply moved by the beautiful messages posted on the Evelyn Davidson White guest book. With God’s help, I have completed the cataloging of Mrs. White’s collection of more than 1,000 scared, secular, and spiritual arrangements of published, unpublished, and out-of-print compositions.

It is providential that you posted this weekend, for I will be driving to Chicago on Wednesday to donate Mrs. White’s music to the Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College Chicago. It will be called The Evelyn Davidson White Collection (Choral Music by African American Composers). She wanted her music to be housed at CBMR because of the long history she had with head librarian and archivist, Suzanne Flandreau and the type of care the center has given to other collections of research materials.

I will send you details about the collection when I return. Sincerely.

Charles Timbrell

July 10, 2011

To the memory of the most wonderful musician, teacher, mentor, and friend! How I miss our long phone talks and your always sage advice....

Luvenia Johnson-George

July 10, 2011

Mrs. Evelyn White was a remarkable teacher; strict, fair, and inspirational.A Baptist minister's daughter (as am I) we knew what it meant to take the music of the Lord seriously. How blessed I was to have had her as a teacher!

Cynthia Clarey

July 10, 2011

I believe that we, in the African American community, are especially blessed by women and men who are teachers who teach us so much more than what is on the printed page. Mrs. White lived what she believed with every fiber of her being. She was an incredible role model for any and all of her students. But, she showed the young ladies what a true Lady was in the way she carried herself. Her strength was evident in the way she talked and walked. Her teaching and her character were impeccable! Some of my greatest musical experiences were in the Howard University Choir, Concert Choir, and Chapel Choir. She is sorely missed, but forever in our hearts.

KEHEMBE V EICHELBERGER

July 10, 2011

"Mother White" is constantly in my thoughts. She is so much responsible for my musicianship and reading. Her legacy continues.

Leona Lowery

July 9, 2011

Dr. Holliday, Thank you for keeping this book online. I didn't know that it was here. I was a student and office assistant for Mrs. White from 1981- 1984, and my life will never be the same. Little did I know at 17 years old I was sitting under such greatness, but I know now. In fact, I found this book while researching Mrs. White for a presentation I am doing on African American women musicians. Rest in Peace, dear Mrs. White. While I teach my ear training and sight singing students, I use your quotes and techniques often. And I smile when I hear your words come out of my mouth! We are all so much better for having been your students!

Philippa Smith-Tyler

April 30, 2009

Good bye, Mrs. White. The late Dr. Doris McGinty and the late Dr. Vivian McBrier (two of your closest friends) and you were mentors to me in a most rewarding way as I continue to endeavor to musically enrich young people's lives the way you enriched mine.

Lorraine Faxio

August 21, 2007

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15
JImmy, rejoice! Aunt Lyn awaits her resurrection when Christ returns to this earth as He has promised. "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us." Hebrews 11:39-40
Until He Comes
Love in His name, Lorraine Faxio

Janice Isreal

August 9, 2007

We used to live next door to Ms. White for many years. First, my DAD, who always kept her yard beautiful during the 80's. Then, as his daughter, I moved into the same house next door during the 90's, and learned what neighborly love really meant. She always had a smiling face and kind words. We always kept each other informed concerning vacations, holidays and neighborhood events. Her dedicated and devoted godson had her same good nature and smiling face. It has been almost a couple years since I moved out of the District, but will always remember how a good neighbor should be. I had Ms. White on one side and the Coopers on the other. I was employed with the Catholic University and learned Ms. White had also taught music there for a number of years. I always thought GOD guided me to those locations at home and work for a reason, and Ms. White was surely one of them. May GOD bless and keep your family strong. Ms. White will be looking down on us making sure we live up to the standards she set with so much dignity and grace.

Ann Y. Eastman Tyler, Ed. D.

July 24, 2007

I have unique memories of Mrs. White as we worked and performed with Dean Lawson as well as being a student in her class. Her talent and expertise were always evident. Mr. Holliday, save an alto spot for me for August. Class of '61.
Rest in Peace. Ann Y. Eastman Ellison Tyler, Ed. D.

Ethylene Lewis

July 16, 2007

Dear Sister Evelyn,

The Chamber Singers performed a mini-concert "in the air" when some of us accompanied you and your singers for a concert at Ronnie's hometown in Florida

Now you can begin a new group in the "Heavenly air" with soprano Evelyn; alto Henriene(Topps Martin) and alto Mary Willie Davidson Robinson. Save a chair for me!
Love,
Ethylene Topps Lewis
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Helen and Thomas J. Flagg

July 13, 2007

We have known and loved Evelyn White for many years as teacher, mentor, and colleague. Most of all, we have treasured her friendship and will miss her tremendously.

Shelton Becton

July 13, 2007

My first experience with Mrs. White was as a freshman in her Chamber Choir at H.U. The wealth of knowledge she imparted to me as she conducted Norman della Joio's 'Song of the Open Road' or Schoenberg's 'Frede auf Erde' will live with me throughout my life. Her conducting class instruction rings in my head each time I stand before a musical body. She will alwyas be there teaching us to conduct with our faces. God bless her memory.

Kathryn Stanley

July 12, 2007

While I never had the privilege of singing under the director of Mrs. White, as a little girl, I would accompany my mother to Evelyn White Chorale rehearsals. Seeing Mrs. White in action while listening the rehearsal instilled in me a great love for choral music which I continue to enjoy today. And, for that, I am grateful and honor God for her legacy.

Hildred Roach-Stafford

July 12, 2007

With deepest sympathy,
Hildred Roach-Stafford

Evelyn Simpson Curenton

July 11, 2007

I would like to convey my deepest condolences to Dr. White’s family. She was a friend, colleague, mentor, a brilliant scholar, teacher and musician. I will miss not having her as she was a vast and versatile resource for me. I am grateful for the legacy of books and other data she has left for us to further study the works of African American composers. May she rest in peace now that her work is done. (Unfortunately I was on tour performing in Europe and just learned of her death on my return.)
Evelyn

Mark A. Dennis, Jr.

July 11, 2007

Dr. Evelyn White was a genuine exemplar of Christian stewardship and musical excellence. I will value greatly her visionary leadership particularly in choral music. She will be missed much and we shall pray for her family and successor. Peace and blessings!

(Rev) Mark A. Dennis, Jr.
Senior Pastor, Second Baptist Church of Evanston, IL.

Connie Cambridge Bailey

July 10, 2007

I still think of her conducting songs like "Ain't Got Time To Die" with the authority, brilliance and soulful energy no metronome could emulate. I laugh when I think of her standing up in front of her Ear Training and Sight Reading Class calling on each of us by our last names as was the tradition: Miss Olaker, Miss Eichelberger, Mr. Smallwood! She was a nurturing, no-nonsense inspirational teacher who forever touched my soul and influenced my musicianship. She was one of those once in a lifetime people who made a difference in my life and the lives of so many others. I know all "eyes" will be on her as she so rightfully demanded of us, as she conducts the Heavenly Choir.

Larry Hylton

July 10, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with all who loved Mrs. White. I came to know her while I sang at People's Church in the mid 90's. She was a huge inspiration and a source of encouragement for me as a young singer/musician. I am blessed to have known her.

Charlene M. Moore-Cooper, Ph.D.

July 10, 2007

Professor Evelyn Davidson White never taught me directly, as I am not a Howard University alumna. However, many of her extraordinary students have greatly enriched the choirs and orchestras that I have been priviledged to lead over many years. The testimony of their talented musicianship speaks volumes about her influence in their lives. She has left such a powerful legacy - especially among liturgical musicians - as to persuade even her non-students that she has been a lasting blessing to us all. May God grant her His grace and peace.

Theodore Brooks

July 10, 2007

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. White's passing. I sang in Howard University's choir during the 1950's.
Theodore H. Brooks, DDS

Joan Stanley

July 10, 2007

I cherish my friendship with Evelyn Davidson White, my confidante and spiritual sister. My heartfelt sympathy to all who mourn our loss, especially her beloved Jimmy. She was his princess to whom he accorded all the accouterments of royalty. We shall miss her!

Vivian Hayes Mayes

July 9, 2007

My deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Evelyn Davidson White.

Sandra Deans Key

July 9, 2007

I cherish the memories of my association and friendship with Mrs. White. Just to be in her presence was special. She was a beautiful person with very high standards. Her choral conducting class and leadership of the Howard University Choir was a most meaningful period in my life as a student in the Howard University School of Music (1958-1963). Mrs. White was a Grand Lady and we honor and cherish her memory.

Mattie Bailey-Sullivan

July 9, 2007

What a blessing to have know and been instructed by such a strong and self assured woman. Her life and stength touched so many -- family, friend and students. She will be missed but thank God she will live on through all of us who were touched by her. May God strenthen all who greive her passing.

Johnny Butler

July 9, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Evelyn Davidson White. I was truly blessed to know such a wonderful lady. Although, I only met and talked with her a few times, her legacy and anointing continues to guide me through the excellence that she instilled in her students and peers; many of whom are my mentors, teachers, former professors and friends. May your spirit always guide. God Bless!

Thomas Korth

July 9, 2007

As teacher, mentor, colleague and friend, Evelyn White made the Howard University School of Music a truly magical and welcoming place for me to learn and to teach.

Charlae Olaker-Haase

July 9, 2007

I think anyone who was blessed enough to cross her path gained a wealth of knowledge, professionalism and fond memories that will last a life-time.
Charlae Olaker-Haase

Michael Neal

July 9, 2007

My deepest sympathy to your family and loved ones. What a kind and wonderful person. She was one of the wonderful memories I will hold on to from my time at HU.

Gregory Gardner

July 9, 2007

Mrs. White was an outstanding music theory teacher, choral conductor and singer who left an idelible mark upon me during my student days at Howard University. I am grateful for the knowledge and gifts she passed on to me and others that we might use them in our professional and musical endeavors. She lives on through us.

Richard Smallwood

July 9, 2007

So much of who I am musically is because of Mrs White. When I think of my days at Howard, she stands out as one of the instructors who nurtured me...BUT STILL DISCIPLINED me. She always taught me not to settle for mediocrity but strive for excellence. She will always be in my heart.

Kenneth Smith

July 9, 2007

To the family of Mrs White,
My prayers are for your strength and comfort during this sad season. Mrs White's contribution to my own love and understanding of music, especially the choral repertory, is a gift that cannot possibly be repaid. She will be sorely missed, even though her spirit lives in all of us who knew her.

HP Swygert

July 9, 2007

The entire University joins all who come together to honor our dear and treasured colleague, Professor Evelyn Davidson White.
H.Patrick Swygert
President, Howard University

Kehembe V. Eichelberger

July 9, 2007

We thank her for ALL of the information and knowledge she gave us. We are thankful for her strengh, courage, talent, voice, inspiration and beauty.

Reathea Holmes

July 8, 2007

I will always remember Mrs. White and her many kindnesses to me. I loved her, her beautiful voice and wonderful direction. I miss her and will until I meet with her again. A great person !!!

Ronnie Johnson

July 8, 2007

My world will not ever be the same. I am thankful for the many beautiful memories that I have of Aunt Lyn. She did so much for me, and I will be forever grateful. I know she is in heaven right now because her life reflected pure love!

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