Jerry White

We are saddened as well as rejoiceful due to the passing of another one of God's trusted angels. It is with great honor and pride that we celebrate the life of Mr. Jerry Dell White Sr. on this day, November 19, 2013. Jerry was the seventh son, youngest boy, and second youngest of thirteen children. He was the son of Theodore and Pearl Beaver White, and was born on July 20, 1942 in Idabel, Oklahoma, located in McCurtain County. Being the second youngest of thirteen children, Jerry always looked up to his older siblings and aspired to do things that they had done. At the same time, he managed to carve his own niche and allow his personality to shine through. From a very young age, Jerry displayed immense intelligence and was often classified as an exceptional student. He began his scholastic career at Maple Springs Elementary in Idabel. He continued his education later at Booker T. Washington High School, also located in Idabel and graduated in 1960. During his time at Booker T. Washington, Jerry excelled in both the realms of academics and athletics. He made the honor roll several times and was especially skilled in Mathematics. On the playing fields, he was a three sport varsity letterman for all of the four years he attended Booker T Washington. Some of his accolades included being a central piece of the legendary White Brothers' led Wildcat football teams. Those teams went on to win Oklahoma State football titles in 1958 and 1959, with him being named All-district as well. The other sport Jerry and his brothers excelled in was basketball. They were the state runners up in the Oklahoma state basketball tournaments in 1958 and 1959. Because of Jerry's exemplary performances of the football field, he received a scholarship to play football at Central State University located in Edmond Oklahoma. After attending Central State University for three years, he decided to pursue a career in professional football. His ambition eventually led him to the New York Titans/Jets organization. Jerry was a part of the organization from 1965-1967 and also 1972. He enjoyed his time pursuing his dream. However, his dream was momentarily interrupted when he was drafted into the United States military. He decided to join the Air Force and served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. Anyone that knew him understood how he felt about serving his country. He was honored to do so. During his time of service he was a medic, sometimes on the front lines in heavy action. Another opportunity to play football and basketball called his name in the military as well. He played for the Air Force military football and basketball teams. Jerry excelled and undoubtedly was a force on the field and court there too. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he attempted one last come back with the New York Jets organization. Unfortunately his body had taken a lot of punishment in the war, and would no longer allow him to carry out his dream. Years later, following in his older brothers' Sam's footsteps, he made the decision to move to Denver, Colorado. Upon arriving in Denver, he held many different retail positions, quite often in a managerial role. During this time, he worked for Macy's, Montgomery Wards, Kinney's shoes and he was the first black GM of a McDonalds in the city of Denver. Also he worked at several automobile dealerships in Denver. In fact, it is the act of selling a car that he meets his future wife, Mary. Mary Buzzelli and Jerry White were married on February 14, 1981. Jerry embraced Mary's oldest child Kirstin Marie as his own. A year and half later, their son Jerry Delano White Jr. was born. At that time, Jerry being the consummate family man left automobile sales to work for the Postal Service. Jerry did this to have a parent with his children when they came home from school. Jerry enjoyed working for the Post Office and received several awards for exemplary customer service. As he settled into family life, Jerry found time to enjoy his many loves: music, cooking, barbeques, and fishing. On summer afternoons, he was the Pied Piper leading all the children on bike rides through the neighborhood. Jerry's real passion was family. He loved his siblings, nieces and nephews and wanted to be with them at every opportunity, thus the dedication to the yearly White Family Reunion. He worked so diligently each year to keep it going and encourage all family members to attend the reunions. Even when he was ill and could not attend, he was on the phone calling family and encouraging them to attend the reunion. Unfortunately, things changed for Jerry in 1999; it was the beginning of a long and difficult road in which diabetes began to take a devastating toll on his body. Jerry endured numerous surgeries which led to amputations of both legs leaving him dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. Diabetes created many other significant health issues for Jerry. From June 2010 until November 2013, he had been hospitalized six times. Amazingly, in each instance he fought a good battle, regained his health and was able to return home. However, this last trip to the hospital his body could no longer fight the good fight. Jerry met his parents and siblings in heaven on November 11, 2013. Jerry Dell White Sr. is survived by his wife Mary Buzzelli-White, Daughter Kirstin (Ken) Bowen, Son Jerry Delano White Jr., Siblings: Sam White, Ruben White, Lula (Robert) Johnson, Grandchildren: Mark Bowen, Alexzandra Bowen, Eveanna Bowen, and special lifelong relationships with countless nieces/great nieces, nephews/great nephews, cousins, who were like his own children, as well as extended family and friends. Jerry's resilience was faith based. His belief and love of Jesus was the driving force behind his uniquely, remarkable life.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 11/18/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/19/2013 at 11:00 AM - House of Hope Christian Church - 551 North Norfolk Street Aurora, CO
Cemetery: 11/19/2013 at 2:30 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO