Mary Irene White, 81 of Gloucester, Virginia, died peacefully on September 4, 2026, at Commonwealth Senior Living (Sweet Memory Care Unit) where she had been since February, after being cared for at home by three ladies who loved her dearly. She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1944 to Ernestine & Thomas Flesher.

As a young child her mother remarried so she was raised by her stepfather, Bill Hannah, who she truly adored. She graduated from high school in 1963 and later went to work at VEPCO in Portsmouth where she met the love of her life, Jimmy White. Jimmy transferred to the Gloucester Dominion Office in 1980, bought a home, and met the Smith Family. They became family to her as they adopted and loved her. She loved children and had a host of bonus children through her many friends who fondly referred to her as “Nana”.

They were members of Nimmo United Methodist Church in Pungo where Jimmy’s family lived. They were invited to attend Singleton United Methodist Church in Ware Neck. Singleton soon became their home church. Irene and Jimmy were active in the church where Irene led the acolyte program for some time, again shining her love for children.

Irene loved spending time at her condo in Myrtle Beach, where she met numerous friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Ernestine and Bill Hannah; her husband, James L. White (Jimmy); her brother Tom Flesher; and her “adoptive sister”, Connie Field. She is survived by her “adoptive family”, Karen Soles (Blair) and their children, Kara Barbie (Philip), Lauren Templeman (Aaron), and their families; Connie’s children, Steve Field (Ashley) and Allyson Bridges (Chad) and their families; Debbie Zanca (Cris), Kathy Tidwell (Ed) and their families and also long- time friend, Caroline Arcese. Irene was cared for by three wonderful aids, Sue, Debbie, and Carole.

Her family would like to extend their appreciation to all the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living for all their love and care.

A funeral service will be Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Singleton United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow immediately after the service in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Singleton United Methodist Church. Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.