Sandra “Elaine” Watkins White, age 78 went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, while surrounded by her family.
Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Roger Dale White; parents Thomas Earl Watkins Sr. and Adean Watkins; brothers Thomas Earl Watkins Jr. (Mary Jane); Jerry Watkins (Dimple); and David Watkins.
She is survived by her son Russ White (Kayla) of Florence; granddaughter Maddie; sister Rita Nichols of Dallas, Texas; several in-laws; cousins; and a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and her beloved family of God.
Elaine was born in Florence, Alabama and attended Wilson School and later graduated from Rogers High School (Class of 1966.) In her younger days she worked at the Angelica T-Shirt manufacturing plant in Collinwood, TN. Later she worked as a cafeteria-nutrition program worker in the Littleville Elementary School cafeteria. She eventually went on to work for Tennessee River Inc., once again in T-Shirt manufacturing. While there, she held different positions but worked her way up to being the sewing manager where she supervised about 350 employees at three different plants. In 1995 she was awarded the “Manager of the Year” award.
After the closure of Tennessee River Inc., Elaine was offered a position with Safe Place (a shelter for abused women and children.) This was the perfect position for her because she used her God-given talents for the next 15 years helping others in need. She taught others how to “Pay it forward” well before the phrase was coined years later.
After retirement, Elaine kept a pretty busy pace. She enjoyed reading, working jigsaw puzzles, cutting grass, working in her garden, and traveling with her family. She especially enjoyed her role as “Nonna” and spending time with her grandchild and all the wonderful children that Russ and Kayla fostered over the years.
In 2021 Elaine unexpectedly lost the love of her life, husband Roger Dale. They were inseparable for 55 years (49 years of marriage and six years dating.) Life was certainly different after this but Elaine didn’t give up. As a matter of fact, she was an inspiration to so many. At age 77 she devoted many hours each week to Community Bible Study (CBS), co-taught a Bible Study class with son Russ, sent cards to others, made hospital visits, prayed fervently, and played an active role in the church.
“Retirement from doing the Lord’s work here on Earth is not an option,” she maintained. “As long as we have breath in our bodies, we should praise and serve the Lord with a whole heart.” And that’s exactly what she did. “Well done, good and faithful servant!” We cannot wait to see you again and how the Lord has rewarded you. We love you!
All services will be held at Greenview Funeral Home. A public viewing will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 1:00 pm. The service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 3:00 pm immediately followed by the interment in the Garden of Valor in the Greenview Cemetery. Officiating will be Brother Will Vaden and Russ White. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Friends and family are welcome at all services. Greenview Funeral Home is directing.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Living Water Shoals Free Methodist Church, Rogers Chapel Methodist Church, or Milners Chapel Methodist Church.
