Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 11, 2022

Marietta Chamblee White

Born May 18, 1935 in Richmond, Virginia, Marietta was the daughter of the late Josiah William Chamblee and Virginia Carpenter Chamblee. Following graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Marietta earned a B.A. degree in English from Wake Forest University in 1957 with Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors. She played on the Wake Forest tennis team and enjoyed watching Wake Forest sports throughout her life. After teaching high school English in Virginia Beach, she earned a master’s degree in Education from the University of North Carolina. She then worked as a school guidance counselor in Atlanta and Charlotte until the birth of her first son, and later volunteered doing library work and tutoring.

Marietta was a long-time faithful member of Sharon United Methodist Church (now SouthPark Church), where she was part of the handbell choir and an active member of the Progressive Sunday school class and Roses of Sharon circle for many decades. Playing the piano was one of her greatest joys, and she had an amazing gift of being able to perform many songs by ear. She was part of a group that brought music and worship to nursing home residents in the Charlotte area for many years. After moving to Sharon Towers, she also enjoyed playing the piano for other residents there. In addition to her musical talent that came through in tickling the ivories, Marietta also liked both reading and writing poetry. In her spare time, she loved visiting with friends and family, gardening, and reading with the Sharon Woods Book Club.

The joy of Marietta’s life was her family. She met her late husband William Allen White at Myers Park Methodist church in Charlotte. After a very happy courtship, they were married at First Baptist Church in Richmond. She adored her husband, to whom she was married for more than 54 years. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who enthusiastically supported the wide range of activities that her family pursued. She always greatly looked forward to the annual family beach trip to Ocean Isle Beach.

Marietta was pre-deceased by her parents and her sister Susan Carpenter Seim. She is survived by her three children, Alan White (Stephanie), David White (Lisa), and Jon White (Jan) and five grandchildren—Deacon, Derek, Drew, Marisa, and Felix - along with numerous cherished nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service to celebrate Marietta’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Sunday August 21, at SouthPark Church in Charlotte with Pastor Kyle Thompson presiding. The service will also be streamed live on Southpark Church’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaik2hzxSiw3yeoQUCcctA) and the family will receive friends following the service. The family is very grateful to the staff of Sharon Towers, who provided loving care and support in Marietta's later years.

In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to do so may make contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region; SouthPark Church; or to a charity of their choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.