John Thomas White

John Thomas White was born on February 14, 1932, to John and Willie Bell Daniels-White in Mexia, Alabama. John was affectionately called “Holey” by his family and “Paw Paw” by his grandchildren. John transitioned from this life on November 26, 2023. 

John worked as a Cement Mason for well over 50 years all over the United States.  John loved being outdoors.  He enjoyed working in the yard, his garden, hunting, BBQing, and most certainly fishing from sunup to sundown.  John loved to dance and was one of the best-dressed men I knew.  John owned and operated a nightclub in Chicago IL. called Mr. White’s Twilights and a Fish Market in Benton Harbor, MI.

John’s legacy is left to his wife Maxine Taylor.  The Lord said to be fruitful and multiply, John did just that.  He leaves 16 children, 10 daughters – Mary White, Patricia Ruffin, Diane Mickens, Donna Jean McClelland, Tina Parker, Terry White, Francine (Al) Woods, Xmenia Suggs, Sherry Guyton, Angel Guyton, Olivia White and 5 sons – John Wayne Taylor, Victor (Kathy) White, Tony Jacobs, Tony (Shawn) Franks-Taylor and John White Jr. One brother - Thomas (Annie) White; 46 grandchildren 53 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Willie Bell, sisters – Minnie Will Autry, Cecelia Leonard, and Mary Curry, brothers – Willie White, David White, Billie Daniels, and Alphonso White. One daughter Sherry Guyton, 4 grandchildren Travis Taylor, Chae Jacobs, Benjamin “Terrell” McClelland, Michelle Ruffin, and 1 son-in-law David Parker.

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