With angel's wings, Gertrude L. Saxton-White, widow of Lewis R. White, took flight from this earthly life to her heavenly home on Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Palmetto Health Richland.

Gertrude L. Saxton-White was born on Oct. 1, 1925, in Rembert, to the late Deacon Simpson and Emma Singleton Saxton. The youngest of 11, all of her siblings preceded her in death.

Mrs. White was born into a family of love and abiding faith. She was baptized and began her Christian journey at Union Baptist Church in Rembert. After matrimony on June 3, 1951, she joined her husband at Shepherd United Methodist Church, where she furthered her personal faith walk and developed a home replete with love, faith and prayer. She was in church until the end, having last attended the women's day program at Shepherd on May 28, 2017. Her family home was filled with a strong faith, a strong work ethic and a strong belief in education. As such, Mrs. White's formative years were spent in the one-room schools of Sumter County. She went on to graduate from Mather Academy in Camden. She furthered her education at Virginia Union University and earned a master's degree at South Carolina State University. Always in pursuit of education, she did ongoing studies at Francis Marion University and the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. White distinguished herself in the field of education. She taught scores of students throughout Sumter County. She began her teaching career at Live Oak School and then went on to teach at Lincoln High School, where she remained through the integration of the Sumter County schools. After integration, she went on to teach at Bates Middle School. After 35 years of teaching math and history, it was time to retire from the public school system. But the teaching journey was not over; she subsequently taught at Morris College in Sumter, continuing an illustrious career of developing young minds. She always saw potential and tried to foster that potential. A common expression of former students is, "She was tough but fair." For her work, she received numerous awards and accolades but remained undaunted because she knew that there was so much work yet to do.

Mrs. White was active in many church and community organizations. The United Methodist Women, South Carolina Education Association, National Education Association, Retired Teachers Association, The Reach Out Club, The OptiCivitans, The Music Guild, NAACP and the local Democratic party are some of the organizations that she gave her time and talent. She was a generous spirit, always with an endearing smile, a sharp, albeit quiet, wit, a kind word, a stylish presentation, a heart of love, enduring faith and a prayer always on her lips.

Left to cherish her memory and grow from her love and teachings include her children, Attorney Jordan (Linda) White, Darcella (George) White-Pindar and Jane White-Pindar, all of Sumter, Dr. Jacob White of Blythewood and James (Ramona) Lies Jr. of Sumter; special niece, Glennetta (Robert) Saxton-Johnson of Camden; special daughter in spirit, Carolyn Prioleau-Elleby; her grandchildren, Robert (Petra) Pindar and Herbert Pindar of Gainesville, Florida, Dr. Lori Pindar of Clemson, David Pindar of Sumter and Senior Airman Andrew White of Las Vegas; special grandniece, Dr. Crystal (Garrett) Johnson-Mann; Colette Daniels of Sumter and Terence Daniels of Landenberg, Pennsylvania; her great-grandchildren, Master Jackson Pindar and Master Sterling Pindar of Gainesville, Florida, and Cameron Daniels of Landenberg; her godson, Artrell Williams of Buffalo, New York; her sisters-in-law, Ellen Saxton of Camden and Gladys White-Walker of Spartanburg; numerous nieces and nephews that she loved dearly; a very special cousin, Barbara (Rudolph) Scott-Holder; and very special friends that she considered sisters, Elizabeth Rembert, Lounell (Jesse) Levy and Mae Ruth Cooke.

Mrs. White always liked having people around. She grew strength from the shared conversation and always enjoyed reminiscing about great times of the past as well as rousing discourse on the current political environment. It was never more important, however, to share Scripture and the biblical teachings that sustained her. During her sunset years, she had two caregivers that she appreciated so much, Betty Durant and Mary McCray.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. White will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at West End Community Church, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Raymond Cook Jr. officiating.

Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park.

The family will be receiving friends at the home, 490 W. Brewington Road, Sumter, SC 29153.