Billie Jean Vandevender White

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Billie Jean VanDevender White, who peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026. Funeral services celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 on Monday, June 1, 2026 at DeKalb Baptist Church, with the Reverends Hal Bates and James Ruffin officiating. The family will receive guests from 10:00 until 10:45 prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow at Dry Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Born on September 10, 1939, Billie was raised by her loving parents, Jack and Annie Lou VanDevender on the County Line Road between Kemper and Winston counties in Mississippi. She grew up attending Dry Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed serving as church pianist there. She loved to tell stories about growing up around her many aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. She was a graduate of Lynville High School and cherished her memories of that school and her classmates and friends.

She lived a life defined by unwavering faith and a deep love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

One of the greatest blessings of her life was the love she shared with her high school sweetheart, J.L. Their marriage of 68 years was a beautiful example of faithfulness, commitment, and enduring love. Together, they built a family and a legacy that will continue for generations. She and J.L. were married in 1958 on a Thursday and drove immediately to start their young lives in Houston, Texas. Times were hard for them, but Billie loved the beautiful memories of their life together and starting their family there. They later lived in Laurel, Mississippi for a time in the 60's before finally settling in DeKalb, Mississippi . Billie loved traveling with J.L. Whether a quick road trip or journey around the world with State Farm friends, she loved their adventures and saw many sights in America and the world.

She is survived by her beloved husband, J.L.; her children, Teresa McLelland (Ralph) of Madison, Mississippi, Donna Sanders (Chuck) of Daleville, Mississippi, and Les White (Sarah) of Madison, Mississippi. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Nichole Mason (Kenny), Anna Doyle (Stuart), Molly Higdon (John), Alex McLelland, Adam McLelland (Allison), Jack White, Reed White (Maren), and Kate White, and great grandmother to Liam Doyle, Amelia Mason, Mae Frances Doyle, Henry Higdon, Hannah Mason, Palmer Higdon, and Lottie Higdon. She also loved her devoted caregiver, Hope Stevens, of DeKalb.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Anne, and her infant daughter, Linda Susanna, whom she now rejoins in Heaven.

Nothing brought her greater joy than her growing family. She treasured every moment spent with them. Whether gathered around a table, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying time together, she rarely missed an event and made each family member feel deeply loved.

A faithful member of DeKalb Baptist Church, she devoted her life to serving the Lord and sharing His love with others. Through her involvement in WMU, children's Backyard Bible Club, and hosting youth events in her beautiful home, she faithfully served her church, her community, and her Savior. She was a long-time member of the Kemper County Women's Civic League. Her faith was not just something she professed-it was something she lived each day through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.

While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the assurance that she has been made whole. They take comfort in knowing that she is healed in Heaven, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and resting in the presence of Jesus.

Her life was a gift, her love was a blessing, and her memory will be treasured forever.

Pallbearers will be Mrs. White's grandsons: Alex McLelland, Adam McLelland, Jack White, Reed White; her great-grandson, Liam Doyle; and her grandsons-in-law, Stuart Doyle, Kenny Mason, and John Higdon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. White be made to DeKalb Baptist Church at P.O. Box 128, DeKalb, MS 39328.