Dr. Cottee J. White entered eternal rest on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in Denver, CO. He was born in Marianna, Florida on September 2, 1940 to Earnest and Lillian White. He was the youngest of seven children and the foundation of his life was his loving family. He accepted Christ at an early age at Bethlehem A.M.E. Church and remained a faithful member all his life.
He received his elementary and high school education at the historical all black Jackson County Training School. He was always recognized by his teachers and administrators as an outstanding student. His love for learning led him to continue his education. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Social Studies Education from Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Social Sciences with concentrations in Sociology and Anthropology from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. He was awarded a NDEA grant for an academic year of study at New York University. He completed the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human Affairs with concentrations in Sociology and Ethnic Studies at Florida State University. During his career he was a catalyst for academic excellence for many students and scholars as he served on staff at several prestigious colleges and universities across the country including Albany State University, Albany, GA. For nearly two decades he was on staff at Metro State College as a Professor and African American Studies Chair. Even after retiring in 2003, Dr. White still regularly connected with former students, conducted various types of research, and wrote and presented papers at conferences. His love of learning and teaching matched his love for travel as he traveled throughout the United States and the world including East and South Africa. Those were one of a kind experiences, but throughout the years his travels always led him to being reunited with family for wonderful times in California, Michigan and as often as he could where his journey began in Marianna, FL. His family legacy was so important to him and he found great joy in going through the family photo albums that his mother had left and he had many of them beautifully framed as a reflection of family history. He also collected books by African and African American authors, including ones by female authors and stories for children.
He will be missed and lovingly remembered by his brothers Theo White-Rocklin, CA, James White (Ruby)-Detroit, MI, Donnie Roulhac (Shirley)-Marianna, FL, sister Mable Gilbert (Toney)-Marianna, FL, aunt Curlee Russ-Cottondale, FL, sister-in-law Lucy White-VA and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family, friends, colleagues and students.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Lillian White, his brothers I. V. White, L. V. White, Eddie White, sisters-in-law, Vivian White, Every White, Barbara White, Louise White, and nephew Eddie White Jr.
A homegoing celebration will be held graveside Saturday, October 10th at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal Church with Pastor Carl Hill and Min. Sandra Laster officiating. Interment will follow with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.
