Frances White, age 98, of Whitesburg, Georgia, passed away 6 December 2024. She served as a missionary in Swaziland (now Eswatini) for 15 years.

Frances was born in Carroll County, Georgia on June 08, 1926—daughter of Oliver and Nettie Lively.

She attended college, received her nursing training at the Georgia Baptist Hospital, and later worked in Shawmut, Alabama, where she cared for many in her community. 

Her journey into missionary work began when Comer Johnson invited her to her local Nazarene Church, which connected her with Nazarene Missions. With their support, Frances applied to serve as a missionary.

1956 Frances was called to Swaziland, where she served faithfully as a missionary from 1956 to 1971. Both joy and challenge marked her time there as she faced illness, including a bout with hepatitis, yet she never wavered in her dedication to the people of Swaziland. After her time in Swaziland, she earned college credits through the University of Alabama before moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where she continued her service and faith.

Frances married Ray Levans in 1971, and the two shared 15 years of marriage. Together, they lived in an apartment until Ray’s retirement, after which they relocated to Glendale, Arizona. Ray passed away peacefully in his sleep while a missionary friend was staying with them. Frances found comfort in knowing her friend was present during that time. 

After Ray’s death, she moved back to Georgia, searching for a Nazarene church and finding the Church of Nazarene in Douglasville, Georgia. She met J.W. White at the church, and they married in September of 2000. They were happily married for 19 years until his passing. They enjoyed gardening and spending time together.

In addition to her parents, Frances is preceded in death by her two husbands, Ray Levans and J.W. White; three sisters, Margaret Patterson, Mozelle Waldrop, and Olivia Harper.

Frances is survived by her daughter Cher White; and sister, Helen Welden. Additionally, she leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.