Obituaries

Larry Allen White was born March 22, 1959 to Mamie Bridewell and James White in Helena, Arkansas. He departed this earthly life on January 13, 2026 in the company of his Mother’s Love.

Larry confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the First Missionary Baptist Church, West Helena Arkansas under the leadership of the late Reverend H.W. Ward.

Larry attended school in the Helena – West Helena School District and was a graduate of Central High School Class of 1977.  At Central, he made a host of friends and excelled in his studies.  He was a well accomplished artist and enjoyed arts and crafts. In 1970, he won the Ohio Art Company National Drawing Contest and was awarded an opportunity to do cartoon sketches for the company.  He also enjoyed building model cars and athletics.

After graduating from Central High School, Larry went on to further his education at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville enrolling into the School of Business Administration.  While at the university, he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He was an integral part of the original charter line helping to establish the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated at the university. Thus, becoming a part of history in the Universities Fraternal Archives.  He was later elected president of the fraternity where he was very instrumental in helping his fraternity to become the second only black fraternity in the history of the university to acquire a Fraternity House. This acquired haven was where he and his “Frat Brothers” would inspire incoming members to set their goals high, strive to reach for their goals at all cost, to be successful in their varied fields of study, to help build better communities for themselves and others.  He also participated in intramural college sports. He played in various basketball tournaments where his team placed several times.  Once again, leaving his mark at the university’s campus.

Larry spent most of his working years in the manufacturing industry with such companies as: Campbell Soup, Superior Wheels, and Shakespeare Manufacturing before retiring.

Larry is preceded in death by his wife; Tio White, his father; James White, his sister; Elaine Dolphin Golden, his brother-in-law; James Golden, his grandmother; Willie Mae Blakely (Bridewell), his grandfathers; Walter Bridewell, Sr., James Thomas (who in later years married his grandmother; Willie Mae), two uncles; Theodie Bridewell, Walter Bridewell, Jr., three aunts; Sarah Bridewell (Washington – Robinson), Lena Bridewell (Jones), Ethel Lou Bridewell, cousins; Clyde Jones, Diane Cheryl Wilhite, Ronald Benard Wilhite, Bobby Williams, several great aunts, uncles and cousins from the Blakely Family including, Jessie Blakely, Sr., John Blakely, as well as cousins; Jessie Blakely, Jr., and Pearlene Blakely (Britton – Mills).

Larry leaves to cherish his memory his children; Dexter Jenkins, Dondre White both of Fayetteville AR, Denesha White of St. Louis MO, Deneka White of North Little AR, Domnique White and their mother; Cynthia Jenkins of Fayetteville AR, his grandchildren; Zayla White, Gabriel Jenkins both of Fayetteville AR, his mother; Mamie Bridewell of West Helena AR, two brothers; Victor (Felicia) L. Jordan of West Helena AR, Tony (Lisa) C. Dolphin of Kansas City MO, two special cousins; Charlie Jones, Jr. of Poplar Grove AR, Michael L. Ward of West Helena AR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fraternity brothers.