Jo White

Jo Laurence Richardson White, 69, died Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at her residence in Sumter.

Born in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Richardson and Mable English. Jo attended the public schools of Sumter County and was a graduate of Lincoln High School Class of 1960. She was a graduate of Bennett College in 1964 and received a masters of education from the University of South Carolina in 1976. She became a teacher and worked at what is now Sumter High School as teacher/counselor for 32 years. After retirement from secondary education, she worked with the Opportunity Scholars Program at the University of South Carolina Sumter.

At various times, she served as chairperson of Sumter School District 17 School Board; Secretary of the NAACP (life member); president of Church Women United; board of directors of YWCA; and director of Sumter Community Concert Choir. She held memberships in the Sumter Music Guild, The Green Thumb Garden Club and the Forum. Jo was a four decade member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and served in many capacities at the local, regional and national levels, including Cluster 7 coordinator. As a lifelong member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church, she served as church organist for more than 40 years and, at various times, she served as finance chair; worship chair and trustee; council chair; and a lay delegate to United Methodist Annual Conference.

An avid traveler, she visited many destinations throughout several foreign countries. Her favorite destinations were Australia and New Zealand.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wisdom Delorme White Jr.

Survivors include Percy Smith, Jan Smith Beckwith, Leroy Smith, Janet Smith (Don) Clayton, Leroy Smith Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Williams, Willie Bryan, Maggie J. Wilson, Ted Wilson and Beverly White Willis; sister-in-law; special friends, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson and Judge and Mrs. Ruben Gray.

Ivy Beyond the Wall service will be held at 6 p.m. today at Palmer Memorial Chapel.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Emmanuel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Doris Bright officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 421 S. Main St., Sumter, SC 29150

Online memorials may be sent to www.palmermemorialchapel.com.