Syvella White

Syvella Mae White, 84, of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023, in a local hospital. She was born on April 27, 1939 in Cassandra, Georgia to Samual Shelton and Ruth Mae Evans Shelton. Syvella was educated in public schools in Cassandra, GA and Chattanooga, TN. She met, fell in love, and married Melvin Louis White, I. Joining this union were 5 children, which 2 daughters preceded her in death. Syvella was a lifelong devoted member of Greater Friendship Community Church under the leadership of Bishop Damian Wigfall, Sr., where she served on the Mother Board. Syvella was a domestic worker for the McMillian family and Kovacevich family, 2 prominent families of Lookout Mountain, TN. She enjoyed watching westerns, working crossword puzzles, reading her bible, talking to her family and friends over the telephone, and shopping for cards and gifts to share with everyone. Syvella was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Ruth Mae Shelton; husband, Melvin Louis White, I; daughters, Shantay Monique White and Linda Joyce Harris; grandson, Harris DeJuan Lee; sisters, Maggie Lee Williams and Glenda Jo Stewart; brother, Gene Dale Evans; and closest friends who were true and dear to her heart and used to communicate with on a daily basis, Ann Reed, Marlene Gladden, Johnetta Clemmens, Mechelle Clemmens, Charlene Battle, Iris Brown, Rita Ward, and Peggy Kovacevich. Survivors include her daughters, Vanessa White of Chattanooga and Antionette (Arthur) Perry of Fayetteville, NC; son, Melvin Louis (Kathryn) White, II of Chattanooga; granddaughters, Ave` Billingslea of Fayetteville and Ashley White of Chattanooga; grandsons, Derrick Shelton, Cedric Shelton, Deontae Lee, Melvin Louis (Keya) White, III, all of Chattanooga, Mondo (Cheri) Billingslea of Wilmington, NC, and Jeremy White of Dallas, TX; 23 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Alma Harris; brother, Samuel Lee Shelton, Jr.; sister-in-law, Aleta Norman; brother-in-law, Willie (Gwen) Norman; aunt, Ethel Thomas, all of Chattanooga; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Syvella will lie-in-state on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Friday, September 29, 2023, at 12 noon in the chapel with Bishop Damien Wigfall, Sr. as the eulogist. Burial in Forest Hills Cemetery. Directions for Live Stream: Click on the link below to view the funeral service on Friday. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY5NTkxMTE5NzEyMjIxMDImb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==

Syvella White

April 27, 1939 - September 11, 2023