Joseph E. White

Funeral Services for Joseph E. White will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5 ^th , 2021 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Meridian, Mississippi with committal of ashes in the Memorial Garden at St. Paul’s. Father Austin McGehee will be officiating. A simple meal, fellowship, music and celebration of his life will follow in the Parrish Hall.

On January 2, 2021, Joseph E. White hit a grand slam, ran the bases and slid into home plate for the last time.  He was born to Houston and Veda White on November 12, 1953 in Meridian, Mississippi.  The baseball games began with neighborhood boys whose Little League Team won The World Series in 1970.  Those “boys” remain friends to this day.  When not playing baseball, cards, or golf, Joe composed music and made music as first chair trumpet in the Meridian High Band and on key boards with various groups “back in the day”.  Ditch and The Dead Elvis Band to name two.  The Dead Elvis Band toured with an Elvis impersonator who never knew what the boys in the band called themselves!  He was a man of few words and much music.

He graduated from The University of The South’s School of Theology Education for Ministry and was certified in production and inventory management by The American Production and Inventory Control Society.  A Storekeeper for The City of Meridian, Joe retired after 36 years of faithful service.

It is said the mark of a man’s life can be measured by his friends.  This man’s life scored high marks indeed as he loved and was loved by many dear friends.  He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jean Arthur Merrell, and their son, Joseph Arthur Merrell-White.  As a family they worshipped together at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church where Joe sang in the Chancel Choir.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert White.

Also surviving are Bonnie White, sister-in-law; Helen Merrell Webb (David), sister-in-law; nephews Cole Webb, Ben Webb (Julie) and Andy White; nieces Gayle White Nelson (George), Dr. Leslie White-Ghoorahoo (Raschid); great nieces Amy Webb, Ariel Webb, Helen Webb, Leah White, Rebecca Ghoorahoo, Kristen Nelson, Micah Nelson, Destinie White, Makenzie White, Jasmine White; great nephews Robbie White, Greg Ghoorahoo, Ira Nelson, Ben Nelson and special cousin, Buster Thomas (Cheryl).

Joe’s son, Merrell White, and great nephew, Ira Nelson, continue the music making; Merrell on the key board and Ira on guitar.  Joe’s gift lives on through them.

The family appreciates the good care provided by Dr. Tony Thomas and Kimberly; Dr. Bill Reid and Nancy and Brandi; Home Instead, especially Victoria Harris, Katherine Stokes, Brand Madison and the doctors and nurses at The Kirkland Clinic, UAB Medical School.

Memorials may be sent to The Chancel Choir Fund, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1116 23 ^rd Ave., Meridian, MS 39305.

Receive, O Lord, your servant for he returns to you.  May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at www.robertbarhamffh.com .