Herman White

Herman Herbert White was born on December 6th, 1938, to Ruth Steadman, and Ernest White in Moro, Arkansas. He was raised by his maternal grandparents Louis Steadman and Leola (Jefferson) Steadman. His family later relocated to Vaster, Arkansas where he attended school. Finally, they settled in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he would go on to meet and marry, the love of his life, his wife Rosetta, and with this union, they had a daughter, Stacie.

He confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was a member of the Palestine M.B.C, and later in 1994, joined New St. Hurricane where he served as a member of the Senior Choir until its conclusion. He was also a member of the Men’s Choir. He was a faithful member of the Church, alongside his wife Rosetta, and they would follow the Church frequently on fellowship visits to other Churches, until her health declined, causing him to become her full-time caregiver, the remainder of her life.

He grew up learning many crafts and trades including gardening, hunting, fishing, and grilling. He was a self-taught grill and pit master, and over the years would cook some of the best smoked barbeque in the world. At the age of 19, he was hired by Bennie Hatcher Construction, which eventually led to employment with James Moore, where he would go on to finally become a self-employed Master Brick Mason, bricking homes, buildings, and other structures all over the state of Arkansas. He was once featured in the Pine Bluff Commercial newspaper, as one of, if not the BEST Brick Mason in Pine Bluff. He had an exceptional photographic memory, and he had an exceptional gift of remembering historical dates, and the birthday of almost everyone he knew. It was amazing to listen to him rattle off dates, and birthdays as if he was reciting the alphabet!

He had heart as big as the Sun, filled with more love, and compassion than it could hold. He was a man of very few “Nos’” and was always lending someone in need a helping hand. He also was an excellent teacher and would ultimately teach countless others the brick laying skill craft, throughout his lifetime.

He was known most for, and will always be remembered by, his heart-warming SMILE and cheerful sense of humor. He also loved telling stories, and jokes and missed his calling of being a comedian. He loved people and could be found making new friends wherever he went.

Though he loved people, and was always making new friends, his wife Rosetta was truly the love of his life and his very best friend. They spent their lives together going to Church, picnics, parties, reunions, cookouts, horse races, and other special occasions. They loved following the Church around the state as well as out of state, singing in the choir. They were best friends and did “EVERYTHING” together. It was rare to see one without the other one, until her health deteriorated, and she was no longer able to be by his side. While on a visit to Missouri in December 2017, his wife suffered a massive stroke. With true devotion, he remained in the skilled nursing facility by her side until October 2018 until she was well enough to make her final journey back to Arkansas. When they returned, he became her full-time caregiver, devotedly loving and caring for her until her passing.

After her passing, he moved to Missouri on May 29th, 2022, to live with his daughter and son in love, where he remained until 11:00am, Monday January 2nd, 2023, when he answered the call to the words, “Well done they good and faithful servant. You have fought a good fight. You have finished your course; you have kept the faith.” With a glad heart, he reached and took hold of the master’s hand, and crossed over into eternity.

He was preceded in death by his darling wife Rosetta White, parents, grandparents, bonus son Eugene Taylor Jr, and bonus grandson Rodrick Taylor.

Herman’s memory will be forever cherished and celebrated by his son Alperdis Keyes (Darnell) of Sherwood, daughter Harriett Precilla Taylor of Little Rock, daughter Stacie White-Byers (Brandon) of Missouri, granddaughter Brianna Clark of Texas, sister Ernestine (Walter) Peoples, sister Ethel White and brothers, Robert Lewis White, and Dr. Alphonso (Corinthian) White, brothers in love Sampson Ellis, Reverend Andrew Ellis (Renichia), and Nana Kwame Osafo El Bey. A nation of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, God-grandchildren, and a host of friends.

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