Ms. Crystal White

Crystal White was born on a Saturday, March 29, 1947, in Belzoni, Mississippi, to the late Sammie and Ollie Mae White. As the youngest of two children, she carried a radiant light that touched everyone she encountered. Raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Crystal received her education and embraced her faith early in life, accepting Christ as her Savior—a commitment she held close throughout her journey. Later, she rejoined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where she found joy in singing with the choir and serving through the food and shelter ministry. In 2014, she made her home in Douglasville, Georgia. Though she never married, Crystal’s greatest joy came from her two children, Yolanda and Bryant. She loved them deeply and devoted herself to being a nurturing mother, a guiding presence, and a constant source of strength. Her love extended beyond her immediate family, always offering encouragement, compassion, and unwavering support to those she held dear. Crystal’s heart for service was evident in all she did. She championed civic engagement—organizing voter outreach, working polling sites, and volunteering with the Food Pantry. She held leadership roles as Residence Council President at both Park Lawn Neighborhood Community and the Douglasville Nursing Home. In her youth, she stood boldly for justice, marching alongside Father James Groppi during the civil rights movement in Milwaukee, even sustaining injury during one of the era’s most turbulent protests. Her courage and conviction helped shape a more equitable future. Beyond her activism and service, Crystal embraced life with joy and passion. She was a proud Green Bay Packers fan, never missing a chance to wear her green and gold. She loved the thrill of motorcycle rides through Milwaukee and was a fierce competitor on her championship-winning pool team. Her creativity shone through in her coloring book art—so vivid and beautiful that admirers often asked to purchase her work. She found delight in crossword puzzles, bingo, card games, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by loved ones. Her favorite color, purple, reflected her vibrant spirit, quiet strength, and graceful elegance. Crystal was preceded in death by her father, Sammie White; her mother, Ollie Mae White; her sister, Sandra Moton; her brother, Nevalle Swan; and her grandmother, Mattie Gordon Thurman. She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, cherished by her children, Yolanda White-Barney (Willie Barney) and Bryant White (Rosa White); her grandchildren, Kealie White, Keyana White, and Brianna Barney; her nieces and nephews, Patrice White, Donna Moton, Johnny Moton, Towana Moton, Robert Moton (Vanessa Moton), and Karen Matthews; her dear friend, Ms. Rachel Padgett; and a host of cousins and friends. Crystal’s life was a testament to faith, compassion, and joy. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. “I have fought the good fought, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” —2 Timothy 4:7 A Special Message from the Family We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this time of remembrance. Crystal was more than a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend—she was a light in our lives, a voice of wisdom, and a source of unwavering strength. Her legacy lives on in every act of kindness, every moment of laughter, and every memory we hold dear. Thank you for honoring her with us today. May her spirit continue to guide and inspire us al

Ms. Crystal White

March 29, 1947 - August 20, 2025