Shirley White

Shirley Ann (Lane) White, age 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 9, 2024, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born at home in Lawrence, MI, on February 3, 1944, to Max Worthy and Irene June (Knapp) Lane, Shirley lived a life full of love, family, and community. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1962 and married the love of her life, Kenneth R. White, on March 22, 1975. They shared nearly 50 years together, building a family and making countless cherished memories.

Shirley worked for 28 years as a waitress at Marjo's in Vicksburg, where she became a beloved part of the community. She had a gift for connecting with people, and everyone who knew Shirley felt the warmth of her smile, her kindness, and her sharp memory-she always knew everyone by name.

Family was Shirley's greatest joy. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was holidays, birthdays, or just a regular Sunday dinner, Shirley's home was always full of love and laughter. She was an incredible cook, a skill she developed as a young girl cooking for her siblings on the family farm. Holidays were filled with delicious meals that only she could prepare-always enough to feed an army.

Shirley had a passion for gardening, flowers, and birdwatching, and she loved traveling and making occasional trips to the casino. She also spent many years canning, sharing this tradition with her mother and mother-in-law, and created memories that will be cherished for generations to come.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth; her children: Tony White, Tammy (Norm) Robison, Ronda (Matthew) Schabes, and Shawn White; her grandchildren: Tony White II, Heather (Eric) Neuber, Kenny White, Tyler (Heather) White, Alexis (Joshua) Lampe, Ryan (Jessi) White, Joshua White, Carly White, Savannah McDowell, Seth White, Emily White, Olivia Skipper, and Ella Schabes; and her 10 cherished great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her siblings: Maxine Waddick, Philip (Shirley) Lane, Sharon (Larry) Beck, Daniel (Amy) Lane, James (Alice) Capps, Joseph (Nancy) Capps, Sue Henderson, and Sue (Leroy) Reed.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Max & Betty Lane and Irene & Wes Richmond; her in-laws, Charles & Pat White; and her niece and nephews.

Shirley's legacy of love, family, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She touched countless lives, and her memory will be cherished forever.

In accordance with Shirley's wishes a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097, with a time for visiting beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to break bread and share fond memories of Shirley.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Shirley's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The White family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.