Sylvia Mayanna White was born on September 18, 1951, in Newton, N.C. She was the middle child of five children born to the late Deacon John C. and Deaconess Vivian Graham White of Statesville, N.C.
She joined Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and sang on the Young Adult/Inspirational Choir blessing us with her tenor voice as she led out on a hand-clapping, foot-stomping song called “STAND.”
Sylvia, affectionately called “Syl,” received her education from the historic Unity High School, located in Statesville, graduating in 1969. This was prior to school integration when students, at least at this African American school, were dropped off at an educational institution where they learned reading, writing and arithmetic at the same school where they later learned geometry, algebra and how to type! It was during a time when students “put up their dukes” instead of “pointing a pistol” to fight; and teachers mentored students without monetary compensation because they truly believed that no child should be left behind. At least, that became the motivation for Sylvia’s purpose-driven life. Upon completing her high school education in the newly integrated South Iredell High School, Syl continued her higher learning at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU located in Durham, N.C. There, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in a profession that would allow her to help shape the development and creative thinking of secondary school age students. This decision led to a successful career which spanned across school systems in both North Carolina and South Carolina and for approximately four decades. She finished her teaching career at Reid Ross Classical School in Cumberland County.
Sylvia loved The Lord and would often be found saying, “Thank you, Jesus” even when her body was in pain. One of her favorite scriptures was Psalm 94:18, 19. “If God hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, I’m slipping, I’m falling, your love, God, took hold and held me fast.”
After an extended illness, Sylvia answered the call of her Heavenly Father and entered into eternal rest on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Hoke County. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Syl is survived by the number one loves of her life, her family: John C. White Jr. of Durham, N.C., Glenda Westmoreland of Statesville, Carolyn Wilson of Charlotte, N.C., and her endearing, faithful caregiver and oldest sister, Gloria Gist. She also leaves to cherish her memory her nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, loving cousins, the countless number of students whose lives she helped to their potential and co-workers who became life-long friends, and her special friend, “Joe.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church, Eufola Road, Statesville, N.C., on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Reverend Winford Griffin will be officiating and Reverend Dr. Dietrich Danner, pastor, will deliver the eulogy. Burial will follow in the Clark’s Chapel Church Cemetery.
Visit the book of memories for Sylvia Mayanna White at www.rutledgeandbighamfuneralhome.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Mortuary is serving the White family.