Lydia Elise Newman White

Lydia Elise Newman White, 92, passed away March 22, 2017, at her home in Gulfport, Mississippi. She was born in Morgan City, Louisiana, on September 14, 1924. After graduating from Morgan City High, where she was elected Most Beautiful, she worked in the Morgan City Shipyards during World War II. Bob White had the luckiest day of his 99 years when a friend introduced Elise at the end of the war. After eloping at the Justice of the Peace in Franklin, Louisiana, Elise began the adventure of raising four kids at eight different Air Force duty stations. She kept her family together and content through six elementary schools in six years and a different home every year. Elise spent her last 59 years in Gulfport, where her delight of raising a family was mixed with the challenges of nursing a husband wounded in Vietnam. She remained loyal to the things she held true: - people are more precious than possessions - humility - an honest opinion (sometimes delivered in a lethal dose) - keep plenty of food for the cats Her children are grateful for the honor and the fascinating treat of being raised by Elise and Bob. We extend a big hug for all the friends and staff at Edgewater Mall. And a huge hug for Lisa and Lynn Lanier. At this moment, God and Elise are laughing at one of Bob’s jokes. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Newman; her husband, Robert Render White; her son, Kenneth Lee White, and her grandson, Michael Christopher Jester. She is survived by her daughter Lydia Elise White; son, Robert Render White, Jr. and wife, Ginger; daughter, Alma Marie White; grandchildren, Heather Renee White, Mary Allison White Alexander and husband, Matthew, Tyler Ross White and wife, Kira. There will be a visitation on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. Interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Elise’s life after the interment at Salute’s Restaurant. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com