Aretha (Burt) White's Obituary
Surrounded by family and friends, Aretha (Burt) White passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025 at the age of 105. Aretha was born February 16, 1920, the fifth child of eight children born to Robert Burt Sr. and Fannie (Rockett) Burt. Aretha was the first of her siblings to be born in Waterloo, Iowa. She married Johnnie White on May 4, 1940, and together they raised nine plus children during their 70 years of marriage. Johnnie passed away in 2010.
Aretha graduated from Waterloo East High School, Class of 1939. Aretha’s number one priority was God. She was born with a servant’s heart which she instilled in each of her children. At an early age, Aretha gave her life to Christ and until her departure she fulfilled the purpose God had for her life as an obedient and faithful servant. As a 50 plus year member of Saviour Missionary Baptist Church, Aretha was actively involved in her church, acquiring numerous leadership roles such as Superintendent of the Sunday School and serving on the Finance Committee. She was loved by the whole congregation. She contributed to her community by working in various roles, including teaching children to read at Grant Elementary School (now Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence) and serving as a Cub Scout leader. She was a regular attendee (30 plus years) at the Jesse Cosby Center, teaching and/or participating in activities like exercise classes, Bible Study, quilting classes, singing in the choir, and playing her favorite game, “Skip Bo”. She was a 50 plus year member of Palestine Chapter #28 Order of the Eastern Star. In 1985, she became the Grand Worthy Matron of Electa Grand Chapter Prince Hall Affiliated, the highest achievement of an Eastern Star member. Also in 1985, Aretha and her brother, Robert Burt Jr., who was elected Worshipful Master, the highest degree in the Masons, became the first brother/sister leadership team in the State of Iowa.
There to welcome her into her heavenly home are her parents; her father- and mother-in-law, John and Enna White; son, John White Jr.; daughters, Kathie Burkett and Carolyn Speller; siblings and their spouses: Emma and Thelmore Ross, Ada and Cuba Tredwell, Dorothy and James Tyson; Bishop and Lee Burt; Percy and Zellee Burt; Robert Burt, and Russell and Mae Eva Burt. Aretha was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Those left to cherish her memory include: Robert (Linda) White; Anthony (Ida) White; Wendell Speller; Patricia White; Cecelia Hollins; Inez Murtha; Leslie White; a sister-in-law, Rosie Burt; and a special friend and companion for 18 years, Herstine Ferguson. Aretha was also blessed with a host of caring grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who showered her with love. She was so easy to love. We thank God for giving our family one of His “very best” to be our Mother, grandmother, sister, niece, nephew, cousin, mentor, and friend.
The Order of the Eastern Star Service will be at noon on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Everyone is invited to come and observe the last ritual rites notes PGWN - Sheila Burt-Bullock, Worthy Matron of Palestine Chapter #28, Order of the Eastern Star.
The Sanders Service
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