Linda R. White

Linda Rose White was born on April 23, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, to Erma Jean Isby and Robert E. Smith. Linda was the youngest of her siblings. She was raised surrounded by her one sister, Balrie "Garie-Ann," two brothers, Olan and Charles, and a host of cousins. As a child, she was kind and sweet. Being the baby girl, she was spoiled by her mother, Erma Jean, her siblings, and her Godmother, Rosie.

Linda received her formal primary education at Denver Public Schools and later attended trade school for computer training at Mansfield Business College. Linda worked in home health care and housekeeping, both on and off.

Linda loved her three children, Lee, Fannie, and Alicia. They all love their mother dearly, each cherishing their special memories of her. Yet, they all remember how she sang to wake them up for school. 

Linda met and married Daniel Naphyes in 2001, and they made each other happy for many years. After that relationship disintegrated, Linda met Brian Kirkwood, whom she loved profoundly. They shared many fond memories and celebrations with family. Brian became her stronghold during uncertain times, and they loved each other through it all. It became natural for Brian to be known as grandpa to all her grandchildren. 

In her free time, Linda enjoyed watching movies, knitting, coloring, painting, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed dancing and singing. One of her favorite songs was James Brown's The Payback. Another pastime was reading the Bible with all of her close friends.

As a child, Linda attended Central Baptist Church with her mother. However, Linda rededicated her life to the Lord in 2015, forever changing her life and relationships. Linda became a member at House of Hope Christian Ministries. Linda shared her rededication and love for the Lord at every opportunity with others. She loved the Lord, shared her desire to be saved, and made new in His presence. Her favorite Bible scripture is Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Linda's favorite color was royal blue, and she loved candy bars and licorice, which she passed on to her grandchildren. They remember their grandmother for her honesty with them and her feistiness. She was there for them to love and support, and more so, for praying over and with them during life difficulties. 

Many who knew her knew she had a saying: "If you don't like my apples, don't shake my tree." 

The sunset on Linda Rose White's life on August 13, 2024, in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren at home. She did it her way to the end. She received her passport to eternal rest, free from pain or worry, and dwelling with the Lord with her loved ones who accepted Jesus as their savior.

She is preceded in death by her Mother, Erma Jean, Father, Robert Smith, and her siblings.

Her children, Lee A. White (Aurora), Fannie Johnson (Denver), and Alicia A. Oliver (Denver) are left to cherish in her memory. Four Goddaughters,

Grandchildren Leandra, Shardara, Demetrius, Aujah, Tanajah, Jalaya, Jawann, Faith, and Essence, and four great-grandchildren.

She has an aunt, Elnora Thomas (Denver), a niece, Deanna Shepard (Thomas), Denver, and Levi Mosley (Melody), Aurora, as well as a host of relatives and many friends.