Remembering the life of “Mr. White”

Michael J. White, a 25 year resident of the City of Newburgh passed away unexpectedly on the morning of October, 12th, 2006 at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. He was 49 years old.
The son of the late Reverend James and Theola Beard White, he is survived by his sister Joyce White, nephew Elon White, and goddaughters Shanel Smalls and Joslenaye Edwards as well as countless friends and associations made during a life dedicated to serving children, human rights, and his community. Michael was known to many simply as “Mr. White” and touched the lives of many children by being such a powerful role model. He made an impression on everyone he met through his sheer force of personality, pride, intelligence, and extraordinary humor and storytelling ability. He enjoyed Jazz, cooking, fine food and was known for his gumbo.

Michael was born in Schenectady, NY on August 27th, 1957. He attended New York City public schools, Saints Academy in Lexington, Mississippi, and college at SUNY New Paltz. He lived briefly in Albany, NY before relocating to Newburgh and working as a Computer Teacher for Alternative Cultural Education (ACE), Senior Counselor for McQuade Children’s Foundation, Counselor for the Upward Bound Program at Marist College, Counselor for the Youth Advocacy Program (YAP), Youth Advocate at the Coalition for People’s Rights (CPR), Certified Housing Counselor for Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Administrative Director at Glenn E. Hines Boys and Girls Club of America.

Michael was very involved and dedicated in the community serving as Coordinator for National Night Out, and member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Orange County Commission, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Committee, Redress Person for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Audrey Carey Park Planning Committee, Black History Committee of the Hudson Valley, and Democratic Party.

Michael attended the Soul Saving Church of God and Christ under the direction of Pastor Elder Leron Bryant and had a close relationship with Jeffrey C. Woody, Pastor Elder of the House of Refuge Church of God in Christ, 129-131 Broadway, Newburgh where visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Wednesday, October 18th with Funeral Services to be administered directly afterward. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery the following morning.

Michael leaves to cherish loving memories of his life and legacy to his sisters, Joyce White, Almarie McCoy, Christine, Kathy, Lavern and Joyce Ann; his nephew Elon White; his goddaughters, Shanel Smalls and Joslenaya Edwards; all of his extended family members in Newburgh and New Windsor.

He will be terribly missed by family, friends, neighbors, community, and all those he worked with.