LILLIE RUTH WHITE

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lillie Ruth White, 74, of Richmond, VA ( formerly of Givhans-Ridgeville, SC) who entered into eternal rest on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Richmond, VA.

LIFE REFLECTIONS OF MRS. LILLIE RUTH WHITE

Mrs. Lillie Ruth White entered eternal rest on May 28, 2026, at the age of 74. Born on April 11, 1952, in Givhans, South Carolina she was the beloved daughter of Catherine C. Haynes (Oscar) and Cancel Palmer.

Lillie received her early education in Dorchester County, South Carolina, where she attended Alston High School and proudly participated in the marching band. Even in her younger years, she possessed a strong sense of purpose and community involvement, serving as a member of the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She faithfully served at her beloved Liberty Hill Christian Church Disciples of Christ as a member of the Pastor’s Aid Board and as an usher.

Later, Lillie relocated to Long Island, New York where she graduated from Freeport High School. She continued her education and earned her nursing degree from New York University. For more than 27 years, she served with excellence, compassion, and dignity as a devoted nurse caring for many high-profile patients and families.

During her years in New York, Lillie became a faithful member of the Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Rev. Arthur Bradford. Dedicated to her faith, she faithfully traveled from Long Island to Brooklyn to attend worship services where she served as a Sunday School teacher and choir director.

In 1970, Lillie married John White Jr., and from this union their beloved daughter, Dr. Constance W. Ramirez-Gonzalez, was born. Lillie embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and joyfully. She was an active and devoted mother who never missed an opportunity to support her daughter. Whether serving as the nurse for Constance’s Girl Scout troop, attending school functions, chaperoning events, or coordinating schedules as chauffeur, manager, stylist, and encourager, Lillie’s life revolved around the love she had for her child.

While Lillie achieved many accomplishments throughout her life, her greatest pride and deepest love were found in her family. She cherished her role as a devoted mother and later embraced the treasured title of grandmother with immense joy. After retiring, Lillie returned to her beloved South Carolina roots. However, when her only granddaughter, Jayla Simone Ramirez-Gonzalez, was born, everything changed. One look at her precious granddaughter captured her heart completely, and she soon relocated to Richmond, Virginia, to be closer to her daughter, Constance, and baby Jayla.

Lillie also became a faithful member of Abundant Life Church of Christ, where she actively participated in the Senior Ministry and built lasting friendships within her church family. From the moment she settled in Richmond, Lillie, Constance, and Jayla formed an unbreakable bond. Their love, laughter, and adventures together earned them the affectionate nickname “The 3 Stooges” among family and friends, because wherever they went, there was always joy, laughter, and never a dull moment.

Lillie’s personality was truly larger than life. She was known for her humor, quick wit, intelligence, generosity, and unforgettable storytelling. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home with warmth and love. She had a special gift for making people feel valued and remembered birthdays with remarkable precision.

She also had a well-known love for shopping and fashion. If there was a sale anywhere, Lillie already knew about it — and if there wasn’t a sale, she somehow knew that too. The furriers knew her by name, and she wore her style with elegance and confidence.

Lillie also took great pride in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. While living in Long Island, she became well known for having one of the most beautiful gardens and flowers on the block. She especially enjoyed her playful gardening rivalry with a neighbor. Lillie would happily sit on the porch watching her neighbor labor tirelessly over her garden, only to quietly hire professional gardeners to perfect hers before smiling proudly at the finished results. That was Lillie — clever, humorous, stylish, and unforgettable.

Above all else, Lillie loved deeply. Her family was her heart, and her legacy of love, laughter, faith, and compassion will live on forever in the lives she touched.

Lillie was preceded in death by her husband John White Jr., parents Catherine (Oscar) and Cancel Palmer. Her brothers Oscar Palmer, twins Ronald Palmer and Donald Palmer, George Palmer. Her sisters Florence Palmer, Geraldine Palmer, Gemace (Dean) Palmer. Her brother-in-law Allen McDonald Sr., Preola Wheelings, sister-in-law’s Ethel Mae Dildy, Ida Mae White, Dorothy Wheelings, and Annie Lou Smalls Richberg Barr.

Lillie leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving daughter, Dr. Constance W. Ramirez-Gonzalez; her cherished granddaughter, Jayla Simone Ramirez-Gonzalez; her beloved brothers, Benjamin Palmer, Marion Palmer, and Willie Henry Palmer. Her sisters Mae Pearl Williams, Joyce McDonald, Elder Annie J. Mae Ferguson, Brother-in-laws Elijah White, Lee Dildy, Ronald Ferguson Sr., and John Swinton. Sister-in-law Deloris Johnson along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Lillie’s beautiful spirit, infectious laughter, and unconditional love will remain with us always. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed beyond measure.

There will be a service held in Richmond, VA. Services held in SC is Pending.

Arrangements have been Entrusted to Mimms Funeral Home, Richmond, VA and Divinity Mortuary, Moncks Corner, SC.