ROENA MAXINE WHITE

Roena Maxine Lewis White, was born in Walnut Grove, Leake County, Mississippi on September 20, 1942, to the late Carlton Lewis Sr. and Odessa Alice Sharp Lewis. She was the fifth of eight children to this union. She attended Johnson Elementary School and graduated from Murphy High School. She played on the school basketball team and baseball team. Having professed her hope in Jesus Christ at the age of nine, she united with New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and served as an usher, Sunday School teacher for children, and Missionary Board.

In 1960, she moved to Indianapolis where she began her love for nursing and became a nurse aide. She worked at Altenheim, Robert Long, and Central State before she changed careers and began at RCA Records. While changing careers, she met her husband and united in holy matrimony to Lester White Jr. on February 26, 1967. She became a loving mother to his three children from a previous marriage, and together they welcomed two children of their own.

Since married, Sis. White moved her membership from Union Baptist Church to Emmanuel CME Church under the leadership of Rev. O’Neal Shyne Sr. and was an active member until her death. Affectionately known as “Mother White”, she held many hats in the church. She departed as the President of the Stewardess Board for Emmanuel, the President of the Indianapolis Zone Stewardess, and formally the treasurer for Emmanuel.

Mrs. White, in the community, served as the secretary for Haughville Council, a member of the Weed and Seed Program, and spearheaded a monthly outing with the 1200 King Block Mothers.  Mrs. White was a pillar in the Haughville community and loved by many.

Mrs. Maxine White shifted careers again in 1987 and moved to MSD of Wayne Township as a Family/School Liaison being the intercessor between the parents and educators/administrators. In 2005, she retired from MSD of Wayne Township but was appointed back to Wayne as a school board member. Her love for children and their welfare was always a priority and she displayed her commitment. As her health began to decline, she chose not to run for reappointment and retired again.

Aunt Roe, was always available for comforting words, spiritual guidance, and a stern voice for her family, friends and even a stranger. She enjoyed family gatherings, church meetings, community activities, sports, and celebrating her birthday! She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Maxine is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Whitfield Lewis, Carlton Lewis Jr, and Odell “Johney” Lewis; her sisters, Annie Adams, Georgia M. Johnson; son-in-law, Jesse Bender; and grandson, Brian McKinney.

Roena Maxine Lewis White departed this life on March 26, 2026, at the age of 83 years, 6 months and 6 days and leaves to cherish her memory are her children, MarthAnn Bender, JoeAnn Owens (JW), Lester Steve White, Issac Charles White (Terri), and Rosetta White; 8 grandkids; 10 great grandkids; 10 great-great grandkids. Brother, Jeff Lewis (Juanita); sister, Myrtis Ross. And a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, Emmanuel CME church family, the Second Episcopal District C.M.E. church family.

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