Mattie Joe White

Mattie Joe White, born on Monday, September 1, 1947, in Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of 78. Born to the late Jobie Moorer and Margaret White, Mattie Joe was the second oldest child and the first daughter of eight children.

She spent her childhood hanging out with friends and singing in the choir.

Mattie Joe graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1965 and continued her education at Pensacola Junior College (now Pensacola State College), where she earned her Associate's Degree in General Studies.

She later met her husband, the late Herbert White, and they were married on September 3, 1967, in Pensacola, Florida. In 1969, they welcomed their first child, Omar White, in New York. Shortly after, Mattie and Herbert moved to Spain as Herbert continued his career as a cook in the United States Navy.

In 1975, they relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where they welcomed their second child, Shasta White. Over the next few years, Mattie worked as a cashier at the Commissary.

In 1982, Mattie and Herbert joined Greater Refuge Temple Church, where she would eventually become a Mother of the church in 2023.

In 1984, Mattie welcomed her third and final child, Kimberly White. After her time working as a cashier at the Commissary in Jacksonville, Mattie transitioned to a position in the Radiology Department at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville in 1992, where she remained until her retirement in 2011.

Mattie loved singing in the choir, shopping, sewing clothes, spending time with family, and making home videos.

A devoted follower of Christ, Mattie was a social butterfly and a mother figure to many. A magnetic presence, she made an impression wherever she went. Witty, charming, and always ready to lend a helping hand, her love for people shone through in her acts of service. Though not without flaws, she was deeply human, using both her heart and her past to bring light to others. She offered comfort, brought smiles, and shared love with all, doing it all with grace, compassion, and authenticity.

Mattie Joe is predeceased by her parents, Jobie Moorer (Sister Claty) and Margaret White (Elijah White); her brothers Joseph Paul (Baby Bro), James, and John "Buddy" Moorer; her husband, Herbert White; her daughter, Shasta White; and her daughter-in-law, Sheryl White.

She is survived by her children, Omar and Kimberly White; her siblings, Joshua (Mary) Moorer, Daniel (Marilyn) Moorer, Priscilla Moorer, Mary Elizabeth (J.D.) Williams, Kathleen Moorer, and Chris (Carmen) Moorer; her grandchildren, Cherelle Johnson, Taisha White, and Ja'Nea White; her great-grandchildren, Caleb, Isaiah, and Zaria Jones; her niece, Ashley (James) Tucker-Jones; her goddaughter, Gwendolyn Beecham; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

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