Mother Ernestine K. White

Mother Ernestine Katherine Roberts White, a beloved pillar of faith, family, and community, transitioned peacefully from labor to reward on Monday, November 24, 2025 in Wilmington, Delaware; leaving behind a legacy woven with love, service, and unwavering devotion to God. A remarkable woman of grace and power, she embodied the scriptures she lived by each day.

Born on October 2, 1942 in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Katherine Roberts and Perry Copper. At the tender age of only two years old, Ernestine and her infant sister, Ellen were left in the care of their beloved grandmother, Mother Matilda Roberts Watkins, after the sudden death of their mother, Katherine. Ernestine received her early education at School #29, Frederick Douglas Stubbs, Absalom Jones, and Conrad High School. In 1957, she moved to Wildwood, New Jersey where she graduated with honors in Bookkeeping from Wildwood High School in 1960.

On December 29, 1962, Ernestine married the love of her life, the late Dr. Bishop James Odell White, Sr. Together, they built a legacy rooted in faith, commitment, and unwavering devotion. Their union was blessed with four children: James, Jr., John, Diane, and Joel. The love they shared ran deep. It was a love that was visible, admirable, and inspiring to all who witnessed it. They stood by each other with unshakeable unity, and together, they were unstoppable. Their marriage was a ministry in itself, demonstrating what it meant to honor God, honor each other, and build a home anchored in prayer, laughter, and love.

Though she did not pursue formal post-secondary education, and long before Google placed answers at our fingertips, Mother Ernestine possessed an extraordinary God-given intellect. She taught herself to complete major technological and household mechanical repairs with ease, skill and precision. What many needed manuals and experts to accomplish, she mastered through determination, curiosity, and the quiet wisdom the Lord entrusted to her. Her hands were blessed, her mind was sharp, and her work was excellent.

Mother Ernestine served faithfully at Bethel Pentecostal Church, where her natural motherly spirit always shined brightly. It was this nurturing and steady spirit, so full of compassion, that led to her being appointed as one of the youngest members ever to serve on the esteemed Mothers’ Board. She was a counselor to the weary, a guide to the young, and a refuge for anyone in need of prayer or encouragement. Her gifts were many, and truly, her gifts made room for her. Whether in the kitchen, serving as the church custodian, providing encouragement and guidance, or in quiet acts of kindness known only to God, she offered herself fully, joyfully, and consistently. Yet, of all of her accomplishments, ministries, and contributions, nothing brought Mother Ernestine more joy than her family. Family was her heartbeat. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She celebrated their victories, covered them in prayer, and taught them by word and example, the power of unity and unconditional love. She was the matriarch, the nurturer, and the spiritual compass of her family, reminding them through her daily living that “a cord of three strands is not easily broken”, signifying that with each other, we can accomplish much, but “with God nothing shall ever be impossible”.

Mother Ernestine Katherine Roberts White was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her sister Ellen Bullock, her husband the late Bishop Dr. James Odell White, Sr., and a multitude of beloved family members. Her memory will be lovingly cherished by her children, James O. White, Jr. (Andrea) of Clayton, DE; Pastor John O. White, Sr. (Sonya), of Felton, DE; Pastor Diane R. White of the home; and Joel O. White (Casandra) of Wilmington, DE. She is also survived by grandchildren: John, Jr., Brittney, Aaron, Morgan, Jordan, Brianna, Courtney (Terrence), Whitney, Ahmir, and Danielle. Great- Grandchildren: Faith, Lailah, Ava, Amyra, Amiya, Aaron Jr., Maya, Ahryan, and Nola. Sister-in-law: Mother Gloria Nichols, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, her Bethel Pentecostal Church family where she was proudly the very first First Lady, and a multitude of beloved friends whom God, in His perfect design, joined to her heart as family.

Mother Ernestine lived a life poured out in service; service to God, to the church, to her community, and to her beloved family. Her legacy endures not only in the stories told about her but in the lives she shaped, the prayers she prayed, and the love she freely gave. Though our hearts grieve, we rejoice knowing she has heard the words she lived her whole life to hear: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Her memory will forever be a blessing, and her life will continue to inspire generations to come.