Stella Lorene White, 95, Vero Beach
Stella Lorene White, 95, passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2020. Lorene was born in Vero Beach, on April 9, 1925, to Redden and Nancy Reams Knight.
She had one sister, Evelyn Beal, who passed in 2004. Lorene’s parents were Florida Settlers, and Lorene was very proud of her heritage. She was recently awarded a Florida Pioneer Certificate by the City of Vero Beach.
During WWII, Vero Beach served as a Naval and Air Training Base. The USO was a popular gathering place for the servicemen and servicewomen, as well as residents of Vero. Lorene loved to dance and fondly recalled being crowned Queen of the USO. It was at the USO where she met her soul mate: Paul C. White (known as “Whitey”) who hailed from Whitehall, New York. Lorene and Whitey married in 1945, and enjoyed many happy years together on 6th Avenue, living next door to Lorene’s sister and her husband. Together they operated a citrus packing business and gift shop known as White Groves. Later, Whitey started an electrical business known as White Electric which he operated until his passing in 1986.
Lorene’s greatest joy was her family. She and Whitey had two daughters, Paula Kauffmann and Lori White. She had four grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, although many others also lovingly referred to her as “Mamaw” throughout the years. She never missed a school play, soccer game, performance, or graduation. Mamaw could always be counted on for the best hugs and a big bowl of ice cream (whether you were hungry or not). Lorene had many dear friends she considered her extended family.
Lorene was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church in Vero Beach.
Lorene was a joy to all who had the privilege to be near her. You’d know her by her glowing smile, her quick wit, her green thumb, and her readiness to throw a dance party on any given day. She will be dearly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lorene’s memory to the VNA &Hospice Foundation, online, or mailed to: 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.
