ROENA MAXINE WHITE

Roena Maxine Lewis White, was born in Walnut Grove, Leake County, Mississippi on September 20, 1942, to Carlton Lewis, Sr. and Odessa Alice Sharp Lewis. She was the fifth of eight children born 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 years, she united with New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and served as an  Usher, Sunday School Teacher for children, and on the Missionary Board.

In 1960, she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she began her love for nursing and became a nurse aide. She worked at Altenheim, Robert Long, and Central State hospitals before she embarked upon a new career and began working at RCA Records. While changing careers, she met her future husband, Lester White, and the two were united in holy matrimony 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, Sister White moved her membership from Union Baptist Church to Emmanuel C.M.E. Church under the leadership of Rev. O’Neal Shyne, Sr., where she was an active member until her death. Affectionately known as “Mother White”, she wore many hats in the church. She departed as the President of the Stewardess Board for Emmanuel, the President of the Indianapolis Zone Stewardesses, and she formerly served as the Treasurer for Emmanuel.

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

Mrs. Maxine White, shifted careers again in 1987, and moved to the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township to become a Family/School Liaison thus 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 amorously 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 was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Whitfield Lewis, Carlton Lewis, Jr, and Odell “Johney” Lewis; her sisters, Annie Adams and Georgia M.        Johnson; son-in-law, Jesse Bender, and a 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 she leaves to cherish her memory her children, MarthAnn Bender, JoeAnn Owens (JW), Lester Steve White, Issac Charles White (Terri), and Rosetta White; eight grandkids; ten great grandkids; ten great-great grandkids; brother, Jeff Lewis (Juanita); sister, Myrtis Ross, and a host of nephews and nieces, other relatives, Emmanuel C.M.E. church family, the Second Episcopal District C.M.E. church family, and other loved ones.

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