Barbara Ann Whiting White

Barbara Ann Whiting White of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away Friday, November 11, 2016 at the John McClelland Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was 85 years old, born August 11, 1931 in Braintree, Massachusetts to Frank Brown Whiting and Florence Margaret (Currier) Whiting. She was a member of the Western Air Defense Force stationed at Hamilton Air Force Base in Hamilton, California upon graduation from High School during the Korean War. During this time she met her husband of 51 years, the late Chesley Leon White of Wills Point, Texas. A 6'5 soft spoken Texan and she a 5'2 New Englander, they enjoyed a truly happy marriage. Our mother was the light of our family. A beautiful red-headed, fun loving, feisty wife and mother who leaves family and friends so many wonderful memories. There was never a dull moment with her near. A homemaker who loved to play Bridge, was an accomplished quilter-making quilts for all her family, an award winning knitter who made countless sweaters for us children growing up. She never lost her New England accent and was very proud of her Yankee heritage, taking our family during summers to the seaside to visit her family and experience some of the joys of her childhood-lobster boils, clam digging, bon-fires on the 4th of July on the rocky beaches, and cool nights catching fireflies-surrounded by her parents, brothers and sister. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia White Ford and husband Alan of Sherwood; two sons, Leon White Jr. and wife Beth of Cabot; Scott White and wife Tammy of Cabot; seven grandchildren, Adam Dennie, Jonathan Dennie and wife Brittney, Lauren White Hammett and husband Jeremy, Matthew White and wife Kelly, Zach White and wife River, Alicia-Ann Schroeder, and Scottie LeAnne White; eight great-grandchildren and her brother David Whiting and wife Karen of Mashpee, Massachusetts. Our family would like to thank the Greystone Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Cabot for their wonderful care of our mother during the last few years. A special thank you to the VA Hospital in Little Rock for the care and support over many years for both our parents. And lastly to the VA Hospice Care Unit during these last weeks for our mother. Truly kind and caring doctors and nurses who not only cared for our mother, but also gave strength to our family. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 12 noon, Thursday, November 17th at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Arrangements by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.