Tanya Grace White

Tanya Grace White, affectionately known as "Precious", was born on January 14, 1957, in Hamtramck, Michigan. She was the third of four daughters born to the union of the late, Willie and Mary Bruce Burnett.

Tanya had a strong belief in God and accepted Christ at an early age. One way that she displayed her faith was through the gift of song. In her youth, she was one fourth of the singing group, The Burnett Sisters. Tanya matriculated through the Detroit Public School system and graduated magna cum laude from Charles F. Kettering High School in 1974. She would go on to higher education at Oakland University and Wayne State University respectively. She was a big proponent of higher education.

While in college, she met the man she would later join in marriage and spend her life with, Melvin Thomas White Sr. To this union, they were blessed with two children: Melanie Ann and Melvin Thomas II. Over the next 40 + years, Tanya would lend her career talents to two distinct industries. She ran a successful tax business spanning 4 decades. During that time, she also worked extensively in insurance with her specialty being healthcare benefits.

In later years, she would enjoy what she called her "second chapter". It was the role of being a grandmother that made her beam. Her joy was in the time she shared with whom she called her "grandgirls". "Gam", As her granddaughters called her, were the pep in her step. Every time, Malia and Layla walked through her doors, her face shined, and her smile was bright. It was common to see her out playing with the kids at a park, at Belle Isle or anywhere else that they chose to be. She relished in the role and viewed being a grandmother as a blessing from God.

On June 29, 2025, Tanya made her transition from labor to reward. She touched the lives of many and one thing she will not be is forgotten. Tanya leaves to cherish her memory, her partner and husband of nearly 5 decades, Melvin Thomas Sr.; her son and daughter, Melanie (Marius) and Melvin II (Ashley); Granddaughters Malia and Layla; 3 sisters, Rosalee, Wendeline and Pamela. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.