Marilyn White

Marilyn Griffin White, 81, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 3, 2026, surrounded by a lot of love.

Born Marilyn McVay on January 4, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved daughter of Marguerite Sommer McVay and William Paul McVay, both of whom preceded her in death.

At the age of 12, Marilyn moved with her family to Winter Springs, Florida, where she would lay deep roots and build a life filled with meaningful work, lasting friendships, and devoted family ties.

She was a graduate of Lyman High School and began her career at the State Bank of Apopka, where she worked for many years. She later joined her brother-in-law, Bill Griffin, at Tropotic Nursery in Apopka, followed by positions at Wilkerson Lumber Company and Mid-Florida Freezer. Throughout her career, Marilyn formed countless friendships and valued the relationships she built as much as the work itself.

In the late 1990s, Marilyn joined her daughter in multiple business ventures—a partnership that meant the world to her. She worked alongside her daughter for many years and remained actively engaged and deeply interested in the family business, ComForCare Home Care – Greater Orlando, right up until the end of her life. She took great pride in her work and in the people she worked with.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her first husband, James Roger Griffin, of Apopka FL, who was killed in Vietnam in September 1966. She later married Pete White of Apopka, Florida, with whom she shared many wonderful years. After many years of living in Apopka, Pete and Marilyn semi retired, moved to Salt Springs, Florida and lived a very full life until Pete passed away leaving Marilyn a widow once again. Fortunately Marilyn had cultivated a close knit and cherished circle of friends in Salt Springs. She loved her life there—whether gathering locally at Cactus Jack’s, the VFW, or friends’ homes, or traveling together on cruises and trips to places like Costa Rica, Las Vegas, and the Tampa Hard Rock. Those friendships brought her endless joy.

The center of Marilyn’s world was always her family. She is survived by her beloved and devoted daughter, Cindy (Griffin Leistner) Gray, and Cindy’s husband, Clem Gray, who were a constant source of love and support and an important part of Marilyn’s life. For the last five years, Marilyn split her time between Salt Springs and Cindy and Clem’s home, ultimately moving in with them full time about six months before her passing.

Marilyn’s greatest joy and proudest role was being the grandmother of her twin grandchildren, Rex Gray and Tori Gray (soon to marry Danny Smith, whom “Grandma” loved dearly). Rex and Tori were truly the center of her world. She adored them beyond measure and found happiness in even the smallest moments they shared. Every milestone, story, and day in their lives mattered deeply to her. Her love for them was unwavering, fierce, and unconditional. She also cherished her bonus grandchildren, including Clem’s sons, CJ (and significant other Sydney) and Lane (and wife Erica). Marilyn found special happiness in welcoming her first great-grandson, C4 (Clement Joseph Gray, IV), born in August 2025, she treasured the time she had loving him and making him laugh.

Marilyn is also survived by her sisters, Karen Ulrich and Carole McVay, her brother, Bill McVay, brother-in-law James David Griffin (wife Diane) and Sister-in-law Pat Malcolm. She was preceded in death by her sister, Maureen McVay. She loved her extended family fiercely, especially all of her nieces and nephews, and always found great joy in being around them all. Marilyn also found so much happiness in her chosen family - she would get so much satsifaction out of their group text titled "Chosen Family" and all of the family events she spent together with them.

Marilyn had a zest for life and a warmth that drew people to her. She enjoyed trips to the casino, trying her luck at the slot machines, spending time with family and friends, sharing laughter, and relaxing with a Captain and Coke. Above all, she valued connection and lived a life rich in love, loyalty, and meaningful relationships.

Marilyn lived a full and beautiful life, and her legacy lives on in the many people she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the family she loved so deeply.

A memorial service followed by a celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at 4:00PM on February 28, 2026 at The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. (1700 Alaqua Lakes Blvd, Longwood, FL 32779). All are welcome to gather, share memories, and honor her life.