Mary Ellen Ames White, passed away from labor to reward on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Shore Health & Rehab Center in Parksley, Virginia. She was born on September 10, 1921 to the late Thomas and Susie Justice Ames.

“Ma,” “Ma Mary,” “Tim,” Mary Ellen,” “Aunt Mary,” and “Miss Mary Ellen,” as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Accomack County Public School system.

Mary Ellen was united in holy matrimony to the late Roger Orville White on September 22, 1942. This union was blessed with three children, two of whom predeceased her.

Mary Ellen dedicated her life to Christ and joined Adams United Methodist Church, where she sang on the Senior choir, worked faithfully with the United Methodist Women, and was a trustee. She loved her church and was a faithful member until her health prevented her from attending worship. She loved the word of God and read the Daily Bread everyday. Mary Ellen loved gospel music and Kurt Dix would make sure she had a supply of tapes, now CDs. Some of her favorite hymns included: It May be the Best for Me, Jesus Cares, He Brought me Through This, and many others.

Mary Ellen was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She truly enjoyed visits from family and friends. She would greet most of them with a pointing finger or a strong fist. Her family will cherish all the conversations with her and remember her jovial, loving spirit. Even in the midst of great pain, she was courageous until the end. Mary Ellen fought a good fight, held on, and was strong until God called her home.

She leaves to cherish fond memories: daughter, Josephine White Fosque; a niece and nephew, who were reared as her own, Sandra Ames Davis and Allie James “Bunkie Boy” Ames; four grandchildren, Cheryl (Preston) Johnson, who was raised as a daughter, Kerry White, Jeffery Fosque, and Sonya Townsend; great-grandchildren, Jarvis Fosque, Montego Johnson, Preston “PJ” Johnson, IV, Asia Johnson, Jordan Fosque, and Rishon Townsend; great, great-grandchildren, Zariah Joy Johnson, Jarmarion Fosque, and Jaakai Fosque; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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