Doris White

Doris Mae Thompson Meinhardt White, 92, fell asleep in Jesus on March 5th, 2020. At the time of her death she was married to Ward White her faithful, loving husband and companion for the last 21 years. They enjoyed their blended families, visiting their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!

She is preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Ralph F. Meinhardt, MD and her son Ronald G. Meinhardt, brother Verle Thompson of FL, Leroy Thompson of CA.  She is survived by her 2nd husband, G. Edward White, sister Francis Thompson Johnson, of Loma Linda, CA, daughter Robyn A. Meinhardt Buck of Denver, CO, daughter Sharon Meinhardt Love of Harrison, TN, son Stephen M. Meinhardt of Charlotte, NC, 12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.

Doris was born in Hendersonville, in the hills of North Carolina. She was the 3rd child in a family of four, two older brothers and one younger sister. She graduated from Takoma Academy in 1944 where she met Ralph Meinhardt. They married August of 1948. Their life together brought many turns, from California to Okinawa to Elizabethtown where they settled and called it home. She and Ralph had 4 children, Ronnie, Robyn, Sharon and Steve. During their service in the mission field, Doris would tell stories of Jesus with the Bible picture scrolls and she taught the Okinawan children to sing "Jesus Loves Me" in Japanese. One day as she was having second thoughts about their decision to come to Okinawa, she opened her window and heard a Japanese boy singing, "Jesus Loves Me, this I know..." she knew the Lord had lead them there. The fond memories experienced while growing up in the Meinhardt home included hearty breakfasts of homemade whole wheat waffles before heading out to school, family vacations, Sabbath afternoon walks, trips to the beach to surf the waves and to the mountains to snow-ski. Doris taught herself to play the organ and enjoyed being the church organist. She helped open a Community Service Center that the church ran for some time, she led out in the Childrens' Divisions, and helped organize VBS programs. Ralph, her love and husband of 50 years died in 1997 after 4-bypass surgery from which he never recovered. Doris became reacquainted with Ward White, a widower, and family friend, and they married.

Doris had that special spark for life that was evident to all. Her greatest desire was to know Jesus and share His Love and knowledge of His soon return so all would be prepared to welcome Him when He comes in the clouds to take us home.  We will all be reunited again! Won't it be an amazing, wonderful day when we can hug our loved ones and feel their warmth and laughter once again?!

Even so Come, Lord Jesus!