Carol Pickens White's Obituary
Carol Pickens White, 81, died peacefully in the presence of family on August 10, 2025. A proud Memphian, Carol was known throughout her life for her kindness, empathy, and grace. She was a caring and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother who loved visual arts, travel, and horseback riding. Her favorite activity was spending time with her family and dear friends.
Carol was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1944, and her notable birthday was announced in the Commercial Appeal every four years throughout her childhood. Carol began her education at Snowden School, where her paternal aunt, Lola Pickens taught her kindergarten class.
After graduating from Central High School, Carol was awarded a scholarship to study at Southwestern at Memphis, now named Rhodes College. At Southwestern, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her studies in biology. She also served as president of the Mortar Board and was elected Miss Southwestern in her senior year.
Carol and Tommy were married in June 1966. Their daughter Suzanne was born in Memphis, and they welcomed their son Jeff during Tom’s service as a physician at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. The White family were longtime members of Grace St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and later Church of the Holy Communion. The White family supported a number of local charities, and Carol was a dedicated member of the Junior League of Memphis, Les Passees, and the Tuesday Study Club.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas (Tom) Jefferson White III; her sister, Sarah Pickens Waller; and her parents, Harold Henry Pickens and Ruth Champion Pickens. She is survived by her two children; Dr. Suzanne White Howell and Thomas Jefferson (Jeff) White IV; and her four adored grandchildren, Jack Esselstyn Howell, Audrey Grace Howell, Thomas Jefferson (Jay) White V, and Graham Wilson White.
A funeral service will be held at Church of the Holy Communion (4645 Walnut Grove Road) at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. The family will host a reception at the Cheney Fellowship Hall immediately afterward. In order to celebrate Carol’s beautiful spirit and the gift of Resurrection, we encourage cheerful attire. We would appreciate any donations given in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
(Link for Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org
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