Barbara McIver White

Barbara McIver White, 98, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024. Barbara affectionally called 'Babs' was a kind spirit who lived her life to its fullest. She was born on August 4, 1926, in San Angelo, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Zadie Runkles McIver and Eldon Drue McIver, her brother, Don Rhoderic McIver, as well as her devoted husband, Elmer John White, Jr. Barbara's surviving family include her three children, John R. White (Paula), Kimberly White Goodson (Guy), and Alyson White Ray (J.T.); grandchildren, Perrin White and Rhoades White (Weston), Molly Goodson and Will Goodson (Amy) and Talmadge Ray (Katie), Katie Ray-Mendoza (Jessica) and H.L. Ray; great-grandchildren, Margaret, Mary Wes, Emery White, Hamp and Tucker Goodson, Jack and Annie Ray, and Paloma and Silas Ray-Mendoza.
Barbara is also survived by her nieces, Jineen Bessire (Mike), Ann Walling (Bud), and Meredith Laycock (David) and nephew, Richard McIver (Lynda).
Barbara lived her early life in Texas moving from San Angelo to Hunt, to Austin, and finally to Dallas, where she met a young dentist from Beaumont, named E.J. White. He was captivated by her wit and charm, and they married in 1950 starting their family life in Beaumont.
Barbara and E.J. were long time members of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where she served on Alter Guild and worked in the church office. She also was a member of the Beaumont Junior League and enjoyed working on projects that benefitted children.
Barbara thrived on meeting new people, and it was important to her that everyone felt welcome and at ease around her. She loved the game of duplicate bridge as she applied the concepts of the game to her life by always wanting to learn and grow. Although friendly and cordial she was a spirited force once the cards were on the table. Besides people, Barbara had a special relationship with her dogs – big dogs, small dogs, yappy dogs, fluffy dogs, all of them gave her company and undeniable loyalty.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her growing family. She shared her beloved Hill Country with her children and grandchildren by taking them to dude ranches and to her Hunt home where swimming, canoeing, tubing, and rope swinging in the Guadalupe River filled the days. At days end, she loved dancing under the stars at her favorite rodeo and honkytonk, Criders.
The family would like to extend their love and gratitude to her dear friends at Calderwoods and support care: Dianne McNeil, LaToya Ware, Lou LeBlanc, DeDe Jones, Mae Paul, Skylar Rosetta, Shannon Drake, and Ronnie Sanders who stood by her until the end. We are thankful for the compassionate care from Dr. Jeremy Huff and Penny Sirmmons, Dr. Tim Colgan, Dr. Jonathan Gandy, as well as Dr. Gwendolyn Lavalais and nurses at Harbor Hospice.
Barbara will be missed by all that knew her, but especially by her family. A private family service is planned for a weekend in late September.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 4090 Delaware Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.