Jean Bush White

Jean Bush White passed away following a life of service devoted to her family and her community. Born on May 1, in Snowflake, Scott County, Virginia, Jean was the youngest of three children born to Charles H. and Ethel Dovie Bush. Her brother, Joe Droke, and her sister, Mary Ruth McConnell preceded her in death. Jean grew up on a farm and loved to tell stories about her childhood, which included caring for an aging neighbor, walking "miles" to school each day and, to her mother's dismay, riding cows through the pasture. She was an exceptionally bright child and when she graduated from Shoemaker High School at 14 years of age, she began working, which she did steadily for almost seventy years.

Shortly after high school, Jean came to Kingsport to work for the Clinchfield Railroad Company. She married Judd Tolliver in 1947. When Jean was widowed unexpectedly in 1954, she undertook to find a way to provide for herself and her young daughter, Pamela Jean. Jean undertook a course of study and graduated from Whitney Business School in Kingsport and became a self-taught expert at typing architectural specifications. In later years she would work for some of the area's finest architects and was particular proud of her association with the Dryden Architectural Firm.

Jean married C.A. White in 1955, after requesting his help on some electrical issues in her home, a story that Jean embellished upon over the years. During their 58-year marriage, Jean and C.A. enjoyed gardening, crafts, bus tours, and square dancing. But above all, Jean was devoted to her family. For years, she made clothes for her daughters Pam Painter, of Kingsport and Penny White, of Johnson City and Knoxville; cooked Sunday lunch for her four beloved grandchildren, Amber Price, Kingsport; Jarrett Painter, Telford; Shannon Painter, Kingsport; and Tasha Harris, Clayton, N.C.; and helped provide care for her 15 great grandchildren.

Consistent with her industrious nature, Jean also served her community, particularly through her involvement locally and nationally with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Jean led PTA groups across Sullivan County, served as District President, held state office, and attended many state and national conventions. She also led Girl Scout troops, taught Sunday School classes at Glenwood Baptist Church and, for almost 60 years, bowled weekly with the Homemakers Bowling League, receiving many trophies for her individual and her team's efforts.

Consistent with her wishes to return "home," Jean will be buried at Lawson Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake, Virginia, on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will take place in the upcoming weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lawson Memorial Cemetery, 146 E. Jackson Street, Gate City, Va. 24251 or to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Association.

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