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VERA WHITE Obituary
Vera White
Vera White, who as principal of DC's Jefferson Jr. High School won national accolades for improving student performance, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2021. Jefferson was the first DC public school to be recognized as a US Department of Education Blue Ribbon School. She was a talented educator, a devoted wife and mother, a great sister, mentor, and friend, and an example to all. Vera is survived by her husband, Blanchard White, and was preceded in death by a son. She is also survived by two sons, a brother, a sister, and many nieces and nephews. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on August 20, at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church at 805 Wayne Ave in Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to blackstudentfund.org
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Memories and Condolences
for VERA WHITE
Arlyntha Love
March 19, 2023
My condolences to Mrs. White's loved ones. I was a student at Jefferson Junior High from 1996-1999. Mrs. White taught us structure and discipline as our principal, and consequences for poor judgment. It's because of her that many of us became better people, because she believed in us and pushed us to be. I'm saddened to learn of her loss. Her legacy is in all of us who were privileged to have experienced a kind of leadership that was exclusively her own. Thank you, Mrs. White!
Andrea Dillard
January 22, 2022
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. White's family and friends. I was a student at Jefferson Jr High 1987-89
DANA W WHITE
September 2, 2021
Your love of family will be deeply missed. You were a blessing to all who knew you. I will miss my Aunt Vera.
Ashley White
September 2, 2021
I will always remember your achievements and legacy fondly, Aunt Vera. Rest well.
Trina Flannagan
August 21, 2021
I offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Vera White. I attended Jefferson JHS from about 1993-1996 and they were truly some of the best years of my young life. Mrs. White ruled with an iron fist and she did not play around with any of the kids there. She demanded that we take pride in how we look, how we learn and study, and how we treated others as well as ourselves. As an adult, I truly appreciate her more now than ever, and I am forever grateful that I was impacted by her dedication and love. Rest in love Mrs. White.
Alecia Jackson (formerlyCarter)
August 21, 2021
Prayers & Love surrounding the families of Mrs. Vera White. She was principal of Jefferson Junior High where all 3 of my daughters attended & did very well under her leadership. I had the pleasure to volunteer there for many years & work side by side with her & other teachers & personal, as well as be a representative parent for Jefferson because of Mrs. White. She was very stern but loved the children. Some things we agreed on and some we didn´t, but we both had the utmost respect for one another. She nominated me for Outstanding Parent of the Year I believe it was 1993. I was so surprised & honored. We both wanted the best for All children. She will forever live in your hearts & memories as she returns home for her next journey
Mrs. Wanda R. Chapman
August 20, 2021
Many memories and talks I remember having with you, Mrs. White. May your spirit rest in peace. Ride on!
Geraldine Royal Hopkins
August 20, 2021
Peace and Blessings to the family of Ms. Vera White. Her leadership of the DCPS Southwest Cluster of Schools (Jefferson, Amidon, Bowen) is respected and appreciated. As an alum of Southwest schools who returned to the area to raise my son Philip(Jefferson'04), I experienced Ms. White's impact on not only the education, but the character, work ethic, and morals of our D.C.P.S. Students.
Thank you and Rest in Heavenly Power, Ms. Vera White
Jacqueline Ramson
August 20, 2021
Mrs. Vera White had a huge impact on all of her students. She tackled many obstacles in an attempt to demand the most from the students that came thought the doors of Jefferson Junior HS. She had her hands full and was 100% ready for making sure we were prepared for life. God has a wonderful addition to his kingdom. Bless the family during this time and find comfort in knowing she made a difference to so many. Her spirit lives forever.
(Judge) Trudy M White, Baton Rouge, LA
August 20, 2021
On behalf of my brother Dana and sister Robin--children of Gilbert A. White, Uncle Blanchard's brother, we pray that Aunt Vera's spirit is "cruising" high with God and the spirits of our familial Ancestors who will receive her.
In Aunt Vera's memory, I will read for those who can't read. I will volunteer and plant flowers for those who won't. Your legacy will continue through me. We love you Aunt Vera. We will miss your grace and wisdom. You will never be forgotten!
Kudos to the best Uncle one could ever have -- Uncle Blanchard. You have been the family's anchor and confidant. Thank you for the faith, hope and love you and Aunt Vera have given our family over the years.
Cousin Terry, you have done a phenomenal job with honoring the essence of your mom's earthly work. Her spirit will live within us until our work is done! We thank you!
Lee E. Epps
August 20, 2021
I extend my sincerest and deepest condolences to the family of Mrs. Vera White. She left an indelible mark and legacy in the Washington, DC Public School community.
She modeled and promoted excellence for students and staff. Mrs. White served as my mentor and cheerleader when I became a DCPS principal.
She was driven by love of family, strong faith and her value of all students. May her family and loved ones find comfort and peace by the life Mrs. White lived, the memories of times shared and the phenomenal legacy she left. God bless!
Karen O Cobble
August 20, 2021
Ms. White was very stern but dedicated to the children she cared for. She was my vice principal at the old Western High school and kept us girls in line. I encountered her at Jefferson Jr. High School when my son attended there and she was attentive in keeping me abreast of his activity which kept him out of trouble. Thank you Mrs White for your service
Andre Broadwater
August 20, 2021
I attended Jefferson JHS. Rest in Peace.
Cassandra Penn-Wilson
August 19, 2021
With Condolences.
Cassandra Penn-Wilson
DCPS Head Custodian/Foreman
( DCPS retired)
Jefferson Jr.High School
Wash.DC
Larry Overton DCPS retired
August 19, 2021
To the White Family...please accept my sincere condolences at this time of grief. You already know of the Dedication and Devotion toward the youth of DCPS Mrs. White held. The importance that she placed not only on Education, but arriving prepared and willing to succeed will be passed from generation to generation through those whom she touched. She had a "Heart for Education"... KUDOS Dr. White... Job Well Done...
Teleo Victory
Natalie Turner
August 19, 2021
Mrs. White was a wonderful Principle. My two children, Letisha and Melinda Turner were at Jefferson during Mrs. White's tenure and she kept a watchful eye on them and so many other students. If I needed any assistance with a teacher or a challenging situation my children were having, Mrs. white would be there for me. She, her staff, and Jefferson truly exemplified "What It Takes a Village Mean! She was a fantastic leader! I'm truly grateful to have known her.
Natalie Turner
Phillip White, III
August 19, 2021
My sincere condolences to The White Family during this time of great loss and sorrow. Mrs. Vera White was a paragon among educators. Thank you for your personal mentorship. Our great city was made more magnificent because of your devotion and generosity of time and talent to the masses. May you rest in eternal peace.
Vera Hamilton
August 19, 2021
Sympathy and condolences to the family of Mrs. Vera White. I am proud to have been a 6th grade student of hers(70-71) at Jesse LaSalle Elementary School of Riggs Park DC. She was a strong and very dedicated teacher who expected the best from her students. I was also proud that we shared the same name. Her name will always be forever at the top of my list as one of DCPS´ outstanding educators! Prayers and comfort!
David Kirkpatrick
August 19, 2021
I'm saddened to hear of Mrs. White's passing. I remember her as being very "no-nonsense" as JJHS principal. She stood at an imposing height and her voice boomed through the halls. She commanded respect, and got it. Despite her stony demeanor, she cared very much about the students in her charge. She expected a lot of us and what I never wanted to do was to let her down. I remember going through a tough ordeal while a student there, and she did more than she needed to do in her official capacity to help me out. There's no way I could ever forget her, and I'm glad she affected my life the way she did.
Sharon Cassandra Nickens
August 18, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Geraine Armstrong
August 18, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Mr. Blanchard White and family on the loss of an outstanding educator, mentor, dynamic principal and leader, Mrs. Vera White. As a member of her staff, I have witnessed her love for her students and staff and her desire for us all to achieve our utmost potential. She expected us all to give our best and to put children first. She raised test scores and moved her beloved school into national recognition where dignitaries and Presidents visited .
Mrs. White leaves behind a legacy of excellence, and I am most proud to have known her and worked under her
leadership. Rest Well, our beloved and respected leader and friend . You have made the world brighter with your presence.
Galnetta Lee
August 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the White family. Mrs. White was an exceptional principal. They do not make them like her anymore. She made us strive to be the best and created a culture of excellence at Jefferson Jr. High. Rest in peace fierce leader and Trojan.
L. Gray
August 17, 2021
She was a dedicate mentor to the kids at jefferson and was well respected. She did not play. My sons are now 41 and they were taught well. She will be missed.
Melita Johnson
August 17, 2021
Sending prayers to the family. Ms. White will be missed she was a wonderful principal.
Lucille Brewer
August 17, 2021
Dr. Vera M. White will never be forgotten because of the positive impact that she had on the education in DC. I remember driving my mom to testify at the School Board hearings to select the Principal of Jefferson Jr High. Her strengths and character were stellar and unquestioned. Dr. White set high standards for all who knew her, students, teachers, parents and administrators. She is remembered as a phenomenal leader and an inspiring woman.
May she rest in power and glory. Let us all be inspired to leave the world a better place because we lived and worked to improve life as Dr. Vera M. White has done. Peace and Blessings.
Former Jefferson Jr. High Student, Friend, School and Community Volunteer
Kenneth Brewer
August 16, 2021
Mrs. Vera White was a close friend of my Mother, Clara Brewer of Southwest. Mrs. White was a tremendous asset to DC Public Schools and the Southwest community. She was also an administrator at Western High School where my older sibling attended Willie, Clara, Lucille and Ella Mae Brewer. Rest In Peace, Kenny Brewer
Dr. Janette Johns-Gibson
August 16, 2021
A legend is now amongst stars. Loved you the first time we discussed how we can move students on the academic ladder of success. May your kind soul Rest In Peace.
Willie Brewer
August 16, 2021
Please accept my deepest condolences. Mrs. White will never be forgotten for her love and education commitment to DC Public School students and communities. Mrs. White made Jefferson JHS the best academic school in the nation when financial support was not there.
Danielle Brewer-Craig
August 16, 2021
Thank you Mrs. White for setting the bar for exellence in education for me and many others. You cared about your students and it showed in your guidance and effort. You will never be forgotten. Rest well.
Diana Snowden
August 15, 2021
The greatest principal of all times. She made every child feel like they were special. May God Bless such a great woman who touch so many children.
I will never forget the the love she showed me and my children.
Tiwana Holland
August 14, 2021
Sending my sincerest condolences to the White family. I attended Jefferson from 83-86. Mrs. White ran a tight ship and we respected her for it. Her legacy continues to live on in the lives of the many students who were fortunate to call her principal!
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