W. Joan White

Wilma Joan White Wilma Joan (Rogers) White, lovingly known as Joan, passed peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 95 years old. Joan was born on November 8, 1930, in Monroe County to Lloyd Madison Rogers and Loretta Coleen (Gray) Rogers. She attended Smithville High School and graduated with the class of 1949. In 1950, Joan married her high school sweetheart, James “Jim” White. Shortly after their marriage, the young couple moved to California when Jim was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. Together, Joan and Jim spent 57 years building a life, a home, and a family filled with love and devotion. The couple returned to Smithville in 1953 two months after their daughter Mona was born. During the early years of their marriage, Joan dedicated herself to raising their family. She and Jim also ran and operated White’s Grocery Store in Sanders, where their strong work ethic and commitment to their community became a hallmark of their lives. Joan went on to hold several retail positions throughout her career, including many years with Kroger before her retirement. Even after retiring, Joan wasn’t quite ready to slow down. She later worked in the pharmacy at Walmart, before retiring again at the age of 88; continuing the remarkable work ethic that had defined her throughout her life. In her later years, Joan found great joy in being a grandmother. She loved reading, spending time with her family, and tending to her lawn and attending grandchildren and greats sporting events and school activities. She was never afraid of hard work—even well into her 90s. One of her favorite purchases was a battery-operated chainsaw, which she proudly operated until the age of 93. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, Leonard Rogers, Elwin Rogers, Russell “Bud” Rogers and Gerald Rogers, and six sisters, Lucille Meadows, Helen Rogers, Alta Mae Souders, Melvina Allen, Dorothy Shelton and Ruth Hunter. Joan will be remembered for her strength, determination, independence, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy that will continue through the generations. Joan is survived by her daughter, Mona Gibson (Alan) Huys; her son, Mike (Susie) White; her grandchildren, Grant Gibson, Brandon White, Sarah (Richie) Kasprzycki, James “Jamie” White, and Dustin (Jen) White; and her great-grandchildren, Melanie (Caleb) Arthur, Dillan White, Whitney White, Amber Shockey White, Elizabeth White, Haley White, Kolin White, Micah White, Madalyn White, Michael Kasprzycki, Charlie Kasprzycki, Wilson Kasprzycki, Jeannie Kasprzycki, Ezra Gibson; and her Great-great grandchildren Jackson and Everette Arthur. Her youngest sister and best friend, Marcene Eads, survives, along with many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joan’s honor to the Smithville Area Association Food Pantry. A public visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Allen Funeral Home. A service will follow at the funeral home, with Brother Reed officiating. Burial will take place at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Joan’s life was one of hard work, devotion, family, and love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

W. Joan White

November 8, 1930 - September 10, 2026