Regina Lynn ‘Jeannie’ White

Jeannie graduated from Davis & Elkins College with a B.S. in Business Administration and later earned a Master of Science from West Virginia University in Industrial Relations. Despite her business training, she devoted more than three decades to public service in West Virginia, including years with Head Start and, most notably, with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. She served as a Child Protective Service Worker for seven years before moving to the home-finding unit, helping to recruit and support foster and adoptive families across north-central West Virginia. The work was demanding and deeply human, and Jeannie took pride in advocating for children who had experienced abuse or neglect.

She was also memorable in ways that went beyond her work.

Jeannie had a bright strawberry-shaped birthmark on her nose and a positive energy that made her unforgettable to those who met her. She carried an aura that was uniquely her own.

Her love for animals bordered on the “crazy cat lady” wavelength, matched only by her love of music. David Bowie, Sam Cooke and Patsy Cline were the soundtrack of her home, and her son carries that love with him to this day. She will also be remembered for her macaroni salad — best enjoyed with a steaming cup of her piping hot, incredibly potent black coffee.

Her son will remember her most vividly from their early years, for the strength she showed as a single mother navigating turbulent times, and for the determination with which she tried to right the ship for her family.

Per her wishes, Jeannie’s body has been donated to the Human Gift Registry at WVU. No ceremony will be held.

She is survived by her son, Steven Wirth; daughter-in-law, Emily Wirth; and two grandchildren, Leo and Cora Wirth; and by siblings Betty Ford, Dewayne Strawderman, Barbara Isenhart and Mark Strawderman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Steve White; and siblings, Susan Wilson and Christopher Strawderman.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Jeannie’s memory to support the Necco “Foster Closet”, which provides clothing and essential supplies to children entering foster or adoptive care–many of whom arrive with little more than a bag of belongings.

Please make checks payable to “Necco” and mail to:

Necco

1513 Harrison Ave., Suite A12

Elkins, WV 26241

Care of Teresa Mccourt / Foster Closet