Jerry McKinney White

Jerry McKinney White, a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family May 31, 2026. She was born October 19, 1931, in Charlotte, NC to the late John and Louise McKinney.

While growing up in Charlotte she met the love of her life, Romas “Sonny” White in 1946. They married on March 17,1951 and spent the next 70 years together until Sonny’s passing in 2021. In 1953 Jerry and Sonny moved to Raleigh where they raised their four children until 1988. She was heavily involved in her local church Western Boulevard Presbyterian that she and Sonny helped to create. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and led many committees to benefit the life of the church. In addition to raising four children, she also worked in a variety of jobs to help support the family. From a bookkeeper at a local pharmacy, to delivering over 500 daily afternoon newspapers, to being an attendance counselor at a middle school, she did what she thought she needed to do to help ends meet, including supporting all four kids getting college degrees.

 After Sonny retired, they moved to Beaufort, NC and lived an exciting and fun-filled life. Jerry loved learning and trying new things. Together they bought into the sailing magazine Coastal Cruising, Jerry being editor and Sonny advertising salesman. Later they were pioneer members of Morehead Beaufort Yacht Club where they both were attributed with “being not only members but played a significant role in shaping the community and spirit that shape the club today.” Jerry started the club’s water aerobics program, The Mermaids, which is still active today.

Jerry also had a real sense of adventure well into her senior years. She and Sonny traveled extensively to Australia, Austria, China, Great Abacos, Bahama, Portugal and several of the United States. At 75 she and Sonny sailed their boat to Marsh Harbor where they lived on their boat for 3 months before sailing back home with many a story to tell.

Singing was a big part of Jerry’s life. In Raleigh she was the junior choir director at Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church for many years, where all her children of course participated. Upon moving to the coast, she joined the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City and joined a local chorale. Through the chorale she had the opportunity to perform in multiple places including Carnegie Hall, Prague, and Vienna. This and her trip to Marsh Harbor were precious memories. Jerry also participated in the arts competition at the Senior Olympics. She beautifully performed “America the Beautiful” to an awe inspired crowd and won first place.

Though traveling and performing gave her great pleasure, she loved nothing more than spending time with family and keeping up with lifelong friends. She was happiest when making family and friends smile and laugh with her quick wit. Some may say she was the queen of corn. If there was an organized competition for such a title, she would definitely have entered and most likely have won. Church was a large part of her life as she was involved in numerous church committees in addition to her choir participation. She organized a Share and Care group for elder women at her Morehead church where they enjoyed outings to places of interest, luncheons, and fellowship. First Presbyterian women circles recognized all her efforts and bestowed her the distinguished "Honorary Lifetime Membership Award'' in 2016 for all her achievements. Jerry wanted to be remembered as a loving and caring person who had a love of life and appreciated all that was given to her. She certainly succeeded.

Jerry was predeceased by her parents, her sister Katherine, her husband Sonny, her daughter Lou Anne White Grose, her daughter-in-law Willa White, and a grandchild.

Surviving Jerry are her children Cindi Kilfoyle (Ned), Gary White, Tim White (Josie), sister Doris Young, a niece and nephew and their spouses and children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Morehead City on Thursday, June 25 th at 3:00 pm. The church will provide a reception following the service.

The family asks that any memorial contributions in her name be sent to First Presbyterian Church c/o Memorial Fund. Donations may be mailed to 1604 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, or electronically here. 

Sandy's Flower Shoppe of Beaufort will be providing flowers for the service and coordinating any other requests in her honor.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.