Ann Elizabeth Smith White

Olive Branch - Ann Elizabeth Smith White, age 94, of Olive Branch, MS, died on Thursday, July 24, 2025. She was born on May 19, 1931, to the late Charles Smith and Christine Stinson Smith in Memphis, TN.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Luther G. White, in 2020. She was also preceded in death by all of her siblings, Lottie Smith Campbell, Carl Smith, Doyle Smith, and Billy Smith.

At age 11, Ann's mother, Christine, died of cancer. Ann's father, who worked for the railroad, was not able to raise the children, so they all became wards of the state. Ann and her sister, Lottie, were put in separate foster homes, while her three brothers were sent to the orphanage in Memphis. At the age of 12, Ann was allowed to find a job to help support her expenses with the foster family. She worked at Kress Five and Dime Department Store, and when the foster family moved out of town without her, she soon found herself living in South Memphis, alone. She found someone to let her rent a closet space in an apartment, and she worked 60 hours a week to save money until she could find a new place to live. She went to the library at night to study math, English, and spelling so she could find a better job. At the age of 15, she applied to Southern Bell and was hired. She retired after 33 years and was proud to say she started at the lowest paying position and retired at the highest non-management position. She remained active in the Pioneer's Club at AT&T for many years. Through everything, her biggest and proudest achievement was having her four daughters.

Ann was a member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church and her life was devoted to her family and her faith. She was blessed to share her faith and her testimony, as a Christian, to so many people. She loved to fish, garden, and cook! Her homemade biscuits were a staple when the family gathered frequently at their home.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Epps Henry (Jerry Henry) of Nesbit, MS, Alice Epps Dean (T. Phillip Dean) of Germantown, TN, Donna Epps Garris of Germantown, TN, and Cathy Epps Green (Brad Green) of Kingston Springs, TN; granddaughters, Christina Henry Workman (Tyler Workman) of Oakland, TN, Ann Marie Dean of Collierville, TN, Alicia Dean Pugliese (John Pugliese) of Memphis, TN; grandson, T. Phillip Dean II (Emily Dean) of Charlotte, NC; and great-grandchildren, Hank and Gus Workman, Jake McCalla, Dean McCalla, Alle McCalla, and Wally and Bea Dean.

Ann had two Bible verses that she held close to her heart:

". . . and now, little children, abide in Him, that when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."

1 John 2:28

". . .no man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us."

1 John 4:12

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family on Wednesday, July 30, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch. A private family burial will be held at Lebanon Cemetery.

In lieu of traditional flowers, donations may be made in Ann White's name to either the American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org) or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org).

Online condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeob.com.

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch 662-893-3900