Mary White Obituary

Mary D. White, of Fairfax, VA, passed away on May 16, 2025. She was born on January 10 1925 to Francis and Jessaline Davidson in Oxon Hill, MD. She was 100 years old. Mary's husband Francis of 55 years predeceased her in 2002. She is survived by her brother Roger Davidson, daughter Susan Murray and son Stephen White and his wife Patricia White. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren David Murray, Beth Olibah, Eric White, Matthew White, and great-grandchildren, Zaina, Leena, and Tammer (Taye) Olibah.
Growing up in Southeast DC, Mary was always polite, conscientious and a good student. She showed early leadership ability when she was elected Honored Queen in the Jobs Daughters. Mary would often tell stories of her trip across the country at age 14 with the Jobs Daughters, traveling by train from Washington, DC to California and back.
At Anacostia High School, Mary fell in love with Francis White. After graduating in 1943, she attended Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA where she graduated with a degree in English and History. While Mary was in college, Francis was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served during WWII. In 1947, they were married at their long-time Episcopal "Church of the Holy Communion" in Southeast, DC.
After her marriage, Mary began a teaching career that lasted over 50 years. With one brief stint as a 5th Grade teacher in DC, Mary taught English at a succession of high schools in Prince Georges County, MD. She sponsored many clubs and after-school activities. After retiring from the County School system, she taught English at Charles County Community College for several years. Mary was loved and respected by her students who often stayed in touch with her long after they graduated.
In 1963, Mary and her family moved from Southeast D.C. to their new home in Oxon Hill (later Ft. Washington) MD where she lived until 2014 when she transitioned to assisted living. Mary and Francis were members of St. Johns Broad Creek Episcopal Church.
Mary enjoyed tai-chi, playing bridge and the piano, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed reading the newspaper every day and completing its crossword puzzle. Mary especially loved to entertain friends and family at her beloved summer home on the lower Potomac River in Westmoreland County, VA. She also loved to travel and took many trips with Francis to England, Italy, Alaska, the Caribbean and numerous other destinations in the U.S.
Mary was known for her even temper, patience, friendliness and playful sense of humor. Even at age 100 she was well aware of what was happening around her and enjoyed visits from family and friends. In her assisted living years, she was surrounded by warm, friendly staff and residents who adored her.
Mary was a unique and exceptional person who could light up a room and make everyone feel warm and welcome. She will be sorely missed by all. Mary will be interred beside her husband, Francis, at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD, at a later date.
It is requested that in lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's honor should be sent to Truro Anglican Church, 10520 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22020. You may give on their website www.truroanglican.com/give/