Melba Jean White, lovingly known by nearly everyone as “Granny” or “Granny White,” passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, at the age of 91. Jean was born on Nov. 14, 1934, in Iola, Texas, to James and Bonnie Denman.
Jean was a cherished part of the Shepherd community for 57 years, where she built a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and generosity. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved.
Above all else, Jean loved her family. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was the heart of her family and created countless memories filled with laughter, love, and friendly competition. Whether it was bowling, volleyball, cornhole, dominos, or any kind of game, Granny taught her family to play hard and never give up. One thing was certain — nobody liked losing to Granny.
Jean also had a deep love for traveling and cruising. She especially enjoyed desserts along the way and collecting rocks from every place she visited, bringing home little treasures and memories from her adventures.
Known for her giving spirit, Jean was always doing for others. She would gladly go without if it meant helping someone else in need. Her kindness, generosity, and selfless heart touched countless lives over the years.
Jean was a devoted member of the Baptist church for many years and loved attending church whenever she could. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the way she cared for others.
When she was at home, you could often find Jean enjoying frozen yogurt at Chiller Bees. She loved going anytime she could convince someone to take her, and those simple outings brought her so much happiness.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy White; her parents, James and Bonnie Denman; grandsons, Dustin White and Daniel Whitton; and great-great-granddaughter, Luci Coleman.
She leaves behind her loving children, Darrel White and wife Brenda, Brenda Frizzell and husband Glen, Denny White and wife Debbie, Cynthia Turner, Melodie White, Billy White, and Dolly Warren and husband Sheldon; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 3 great great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild on the way; along with other numerous other family members and countless friends who will forever treasure the love, laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable spirit she shared with everyone around her. Granny’s legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the family traditions she created.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.