Carolyn Henderson White

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Frances Carolyn Henderson White, age 97, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 28, 1923, in Owings, S.C. to the late Merrill Bush Henderson and Era Milloree Crow Henderson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Luther Elihu White, a brother, Walter Henry Henderson and a sister, Margaret Curry.  She is survived by sisters Juanita Gray and Eleanor Brooks.  Her surviving children are James M. White (Martie) of Mint Hill, NC, and Frances W. Kalk (Rick) of Simpsonville, SC.  She deeply loved her five grandchildren (Merrill White, Adam White, Michael White, David Kalk, and Phillip Kalk) and her five great-grandchildren (Addison and Archer White, Audrey Kalk, Lawson and Brooke White).

Carolyn was graduated from Gray Court-Owings High School and was an honor speaker.  She was first employed at the Laurens County farm office.  She married Luther on June 6, 1942, and followed him to various Army postings until he went to serve in the Pacific Theater from 1944 through 1945.  After the war, she and Luther became partners with Earl and Hester White in Fountain Inn Plumbing and Electric Co until the store closed in 1981.

For more than 35 years, Carolyn served as a Red Cross volunteer, including fifteen years as a Gray Lady at the McLawhorn Clinic in Fountain Inn. 

Music was one of the great pleasures of Carolyn’s life and for many years she was an active member of the Fountain Inn Music Club.  She was a life member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and chaired several committees of the state organization.

Gardening and art were also two lifelong hobbies.  Her family and many friends enjoyed the produce of her garden and pecan trees.  Her house was filled with many paintings and drawings.  She also traveled extensively and had many souvenirs from around the US, China and Europe.

The Fountain Inn Activities Center was a major focus of Carolyn’s interest for more than 20 years.  In 2017, a major addition to the facility was named in honor of her and Luther.

Carolyn grew up in Friendship Baptist Church, Owings, SC, moved to Durbin Creek Baptist Church with her husband, and, since 1976, was a member of First Baptist Church of Fountain Inn.  While a member at First Baptist, she taught Sunday each fourth Sunday at the nursing home on Gulliver Street.

Carolyn was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123 and distributed poppies for donations to raise funds for various veterans’ needs.

Carolyn wrote an autobiography, Together Forever, with the aid of her daughter.  The book centers on her life with Luther but includes other family information and historical data including GPS coordinates of many places described in the book including burial sites and locations of many buildings such as the old Ebenezer schoolhouse which are no longer standing.  The self-published book is available in the Fountain Inn and Charlotte libraries.  About 500 copies were sold and donated to friends and acquaintances in the Fountain Inn area.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Fountain Inn First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the Park following the Committal Service.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Fountain Inn First Baptist Church. The family is at her daughter’s home at 109 Red Oak Ct., Simpsonville 29681.

Condolences to the family of Carolyn Henderson White

  • Janet Price
    3 years ago

    Carolyn was such an active person! Her talents were very much appreciated in the FI Music Club. She left a big legacy in the community as well. RIP, Carolyn, a great servant and friend to all.

  • Ms. Carolyn! As a member of the Fountain Inn Senior Choir for the past 10-12 years, I had the honor of participating with you and many others, knowing full well that You Were An Angel Sent to Earth by God for sure! I read your biography book over 5 times and share it with my of my senior friends who just loved it next of all as well! So in closing I first apologize for not be able to attend your funeral & last by not least so forward to being with you sitting beside Jesus as well! Love in Christ Jesus! Nick McConnell!

  • As a caretaker for Carolyn, I always enjoyed helping her. We always had very special conversations. I will miss her greatly. She was a very lovely and classy lady.

  • Dot Satterfield
    3 years ago

    Wofford and I enjoyed our time with her at the Fountain Inn Activity Center! She was an amazing person in many ways! Our sympathy to her family and friends!

  • Elizabeth W Bell
    3 years ago

    Ms. Carolyn was a vital part of Unit 123 Ladies American Legion Auxullary in Fountain Inn along with her many activities. No one could present poppies like she did. RIP friend I learned a lot from you! Thank You!

    • Fran W Kalk
      3 years ago

      I wanted you to know that we placed an Am Legion poppy in the casket with Mom.

  • Susan Fowler
    3 years ago

    My Sincere Sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs Carolyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan Fowler, Clear Spring Baptist Church

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