Mrs. Willette Dorothea Torrence White, 107, passed peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at The Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center in Jamestown, NC. She was born on June 9, 1916, in High Point, NC to the late Edna Jacobs. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Pete and Lillie Froneberger, her son, Rev. Percy Sykes, and the love of her life, her husband, William White.

She was a wonderful wife to William and she and William were amazing godparents to many children. Their unwavering dedication to their godchildren made them very special and left a legacy of love and care.

Her last years were spent in The Shannon Gray Rehabilitation and Recovery Center where she received the most wonderful and compassionate care from the staff, the administration, RNs, CNAs, and others. During her last few months, she received additional exceptional care from the RNs, CNAs, social workers, and volunteers of Hospice.

She is survived by her caretakers, Dr. Lou and Mr. Dangbe Sua, Joyce Saunders of High Point, NC; her godchildren, Stephen Saunders of Greensboro, NC; R. Christopher Sua of High Point, NC; Rhea Lash of Winston Salem, NC; SaBrina Saunders and Allen Saunders of High Point, NC; her long-term roommate at Shannon Gray, Mrs. Argie Christian; nine “great grandchildren”; and a host of cousins, church members, and friends who will all miss her dearly.

Funeral service will be held, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. St. Stephen Metropolitan AME Zion Church. Interment will follow at Guil Rand Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.