Obituary
Our beloved mother, Helen P. White, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2024, at home with her daughter Nita, her son Chris, and her long-term caregiver, Mandy Strong by her side.
Helen was born in Wedowee, AL, as the third of seven children. Tragically, her father was killed on the day she turned 13. At that time, she left school to help her mother manage the cotton farm and care for her younger siblings. Throughout her life, Helen lived selflessly, always putting family first.
In the 1940s, Helen moved to Daytona Beach, where she spent most of her life. She endured the loss of her first husband, Jack Rutland Parker, while their three children were still young. Helen continued to work tirelessly into her 70s, including as a waitress at the Tru-Vue Grill, a salesperson at a downtown Daytona shoe shop, the receptionist at Florida Health Care, a greeter at Walmart, and finally, a sample lady at Publix Grocery Store.
Her children were deeply blessed by her love and devotion. Despite the challenges she faced as a single mother, we never felt poor; we were always warm, fed, and assured of her love. Her unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in us were constants in our lives. She taught us resilience and the importance of loving others. She faced many adversities throughout her life and overcame them all through faith, love, and perseverance.
Helen was cherished by all who knew her for her kindness and generosity. Even with only a dollar to her name, she would give it away if she felt someone else needed it more. After her children were grown, she married Bob White, who passed away in June 1997. Helen’s profound love for God and enduring faith in Jesus Christ defined her life. Her Providence Church family, including Pastor Timothy Mann and his wife Patty, were very dear to her.
In Helen’s final years her caregiver, Mandy inevitably also became her best friend and constant companion, for which Helen’s family is deeply grateful.
Helen was predeceased by her parents, Velma and Travis Reeves; her sisters, Runette Robinson and Ann Gonzales; her brothers, Travis (Junior), Julious, and Glen Reeves; her daughter, Jackie Northrip; her granddaughter, Ashley Parker; and her grandson, John Fussell. She is survived by her sister, Inez Colbert; her daughter and son-in-law, Nita and Werner Pennardt; her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Sandy Parker; her son-in-law, Ronnie Northrip; her grandson, Steven Northrip and his wife, Kelly; her granddaughter, Brittany and her husband, Alex Klein; her grandson, Jack Parker; and her great-grandchildren, Brooke Northrip, Randall Northrip, Asher-Wild Klein, and Scout Klein.
A Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Thursday, October 31st, 2024 at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-673-1100. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 1st, 2024 at Providence Church, 1151 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Church.