Jennifer White Obituary

Jennifer LaShelle White was born on February 18, 1977 to Kem and Kathy Bock in Muleshoe, Texas and went to be with Jesus on June 28, 2025 in Tyler, Texas surrounded by family. A funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Union Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Phillips officiating. Everyone is invited to a reception following the service at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens, Texas.
Jennifer grew up in Earth, Texas graduating from Springlake High School in 1995. She then attended West Texas A&M University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Education. Jennifer was a dedicated, kind, compassionate, and diligent first and second grade teacher for 25 years. She began her teaching career in Muleshoe, Texas, where she taught for her first 5 years before marrying her husband, Cody White, on September 3rd, 2005. Cody and Jennifer began their life together in Dalhart, Texas where Jennifer continued teaching first and second grade students for the next 15 years. In December of 2021, Cody and Jennifer relocated to East Texas, and Jennifer joined the Murchison ISD Eagle family where she taught second grade and later returned to first grade. Teachers who worked with Jennifer over the years and parents of students she taught all have shared similar words describing Jennifer as one of the kindest, most helpful, positive, and devoted teachers they have ever known. Though she was never able to have children of her own, she loved countless children in her life throughout her many years as a teacher as if they were her own. Her impact on the lives of so many children is truly a lasting and beautiful legacy of how she lived her life.
For those who knew Jennifer best, she was undeniably devoted to her San Francisco 49ers! She would walk into a room full of Dallas Cowboys fans sporting her 49ers jersey with great pride, not letting anyone take away from her cheering on her favorite football team! It was her dream to be able to attend one of their football games in person. None of us will ever be able to watch a NFL football season without remembering Jennifer's unwavering devotion to this team!
Jennifer loved big. She loved her family, students, co-workers, friends, her Boston terrier dogs Duke and Tucker, and all things about the 49ers. She also had a GREAT love for country music, especially her favorite group, Brooks and Dunn! We will always cherish the things that make us remember Jennifer, such as hearing a song sung by Keith Whitley, or when the theme songs for Golden Girls or Friends come on. We echo the words of Golden Girls as well as Friends, and thank God for giving us Jennifer, for she was a good friend, a pal, a confidante to many, and no matter what- she was always there for you.
Jennifer is survived by her husband, Cody White, of Ben Wheeler, Texas; her father, Kem Bock, of Earth, Texas; her sister, Angela Bock Halsell of Littlefield, Texas; her in-laws, Doug and Linda White of Brownsboro, Texas; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dusty and Angie White of Athens, Texas; as well as all of her beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Kathy Bock; her grandparents, Melvin and Fern Bock; and grandfather, Dale Dudley.
Jennifer shared that this was the most beautiful writing that always brought a tear to her eyes when she read Charlotte's Web to her students:
"'Why did you do all this for me?' Wilbur asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that.'"
From Charlotte's Web by Elwyn Brooks, E.B. White
Some of Jennifer's favorite scriptures:
Isaiah 43:1-3- "But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior."
John 14:6- Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Isaiah 41:10- "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."