Ellwood McClellan White
April 6, 1925 ~ March 16, 2010
Ellwood McClellan White was born April 6, 1925 in Colerain, North Carolina to Rosa Myrtle and James Luster White. The eldest of 4 children, he is preceded in death by all of his siblings; James White, Jr., Gloria White and Ella H. Partee; mother and father and granddaughter, Veronica Misas. He leaves to mourn a loving wife of 61 years, Margaret (Peggy) White; daughter, Cheryl Burley of New York; a son Jeffrey M. White (Julie) of Virginia; grandchildren, Aaron Misas, Jeffrey White, Jr., Johnnie Boone, Levelle Boone; great-grandsons, Jaylund Boone and Jason Tyler and a host of relatives and friends. Ellwood, often referred to as "Woody" by everyone who knew and loved him, was Baptized at Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ossining, NY. He graduated from Ossining High School in 1942 and attended North Carolina A & T and New York University where he graduated in 1951. He served in the US Navy during WW II from 1943 to 1946 and received an honorable discharge. He continued his education and received a Masters Degrees in Education from New York University and Queens College, (City of New York) in 1972. Ellwood was also a 63 year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and received the Omega Man of the Year award in 1978. In 1947, he met Margaret (Peggy) Smith and after a 2 year courtship, they were united in marriage in June of 1949. They eventually made their home in Hempstead, New York where they resided with their 2 children. Upon retirement in 1991, they relocated to Herndon, Virginia to enjoy their golden years together. Woody was a lifelong educator for the New York City Board of Education. He served as an art instructor for many years at Thomas Edison Vocational High School in Queens before being promoted to Assistant Principal of the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. He was well liked by his students and was always willing to help them exceed beyond what they thought possible. Any student with an interest for art was an opportunity for Ellwood to provide his guidance, knowledge and direction. In his free time, Ellwood enjoyed reading, tennis, golf, boating and cooking but his first love was always artwork and anything related to art. He also enjoyed traveling during his golden years. Ellwood was an over achiever with a firm belief that anything could be accomplished through education and hard work. Always the first person at work and the last to leave, he was always in search of something new to learn, teach and share. Ellwood was called home to his eternal resting place on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. In his final days he was comforted in his home and was always surrounded by those who loved him. He passed peacefully in his sleep after spending time with his family by his side.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I miss my father already. He and my mother shared 61 years of marriage together and I was fortunate enough to be raised by both of them. He lived a good long life and was a positive influence on many lives in his role as a teacher and administrator. I am blessed that he was able to live life until a peaceful and natural passing. I will continue to live my life as he would have wanted me to and I know that he is still looking out for my best interest as he always has. Dad, I love and miss you. I will see you when I get there. Love Jeff
Peggy & family, You are in our thooughts and prayers as you go this difficult period of your life. There must be some comfort in knowing that Ellwood lived life to the fullest. Please know that we are here for you.
First I’d like to give my condolences to Mrs. White, Jeff and Cheryl. I have many memories of Carolina Ave. and Mr. White was certainly part of them. What I remember most was his zest for life and ability to call things exactly how he saw them. We all grew up with a healthy respect for each others’ parents and when you were called inside for Dinner Jeff, you’d better get moving! I did not know of his time in the Navy, and all of the accomplishments your father achieved,his generation was truly the best we’ll ever see. Ellwood White, a man who enjoyed his time on Earth, my you rest in peace.
May The Lord bless you in the Land of refreshment.
To the White Family, I express my Deepest Sympathy to each one of you. May God continue to bless you and keep you during this time. John,Donna,Dominique,John Jr & Jordan Mitchell
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. White, Cheryl and Jeff for the loss of a husband and father. I remember Mr. White as being a kind person with lots of wit. My older sister adored him. May you rest in peace “Uncle Woody”.
We miss Unc a lot. He always had a great story to tell and we learned so much from him. I will always remember him affectionately calling me his “Ugly Niece” every time he saw me. I chose the tennis racket and ball because of his love for the game. Love you much, Unc….thank you for all your love and support.
Dear Uncle Ellwood, you will be very much missed. As a big part of mine and my brother’s lives and as my Dad’s best buddy. I am glad you are together with him again. Peace and Godspeed.