Edna White

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Edna Lois Troutman White, 93, of Neosho, MO, formerly of Conway, AR, passed away on February 17. She was born on June 9, 1930, in Lollie, AR to Edward and Lillian Troutman. 

Her early childhood years were spent during the height of the Great Depression when she attended a one-room schoolhouse through sixth grade and helped chop and pick cotton along with her father and siblings. 

A gifted singer, from an early age she loved music, singing harmony in a trio with her sisters at church and for special occasions. She graduated from Mayflower High School in 1949, where she was voted queen her junior and senior year and best all-around Student, her senior year. 

In 1950, she married the love of her life, James “Joe” White of Conway, Arkansas, her husband of 69 years. Together, Joe and Edna owned White’s Fabric and Drapery store in Conway, AR, before retiring to Neosho, MO. 

Edna worked for 25 years for Ozark Bible Institute in Neosho as a librarian. She loved interacting with the students, and they loved her. 

For most of her adult life, Edna was a dedicated church volunteer, serving as a Sunday school teacher, Women's Ministry President, and Children's Church Director in various Assembly of God churches in central Arkansas. She was a member of the Bible Holiness Assembly of God in Neosho. She loved working with children and spending time with her family. She shared that “being a good mother to my kids and teaching them how to get to heaven” was her main goal in life. Housework and keeping a sparkling house brought her joy. 

She is survived by her three children Lorna Gundaker (Bill), of Cabot, AR, Jerry White (Vicki), of Neosho, MO, and Lorraine Branham (David), of Neosho, MO. She is also survived by one brother, Edward Troutman of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and one sister, Wanda Knowles of Little Rock, AR. She is survived by nine grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, to the third generation. 

In addition to her beloved husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings Modine Edwards, Ruth Naylor, and Carolyn Berry, all of Arkansas.

Her service will be held at Bible Holiness Assembly of God at 906 Summit St., Neosho, MO 64850 on Friday, March 1st at 10:00 am. She will be buried at Gibson Cemetery in Neosho. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to help those in need. Direct to: Watered Gardens, 531 Kentucky Ave #2218, Joplin, MO 64801 or Salvation Army Corporation, 320 East 8th St, Joplin, MO 64801.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com
Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.