Mother Mae Ella Chism White

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7 (KJV) On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, gently called Mother Mae Ella Chism White from labor to reward. After courageously fighting a good fight, her earthly body grew weary, and the Lord graciously ended her suffering. Surrounded by the love of her family, she peacefully entered into eternal rest. Mae Ella Chism White was born on November 5, 1950, in Widener, Arkansas, to the late John Chism and Mary Willis Chism. She was raised in a loving, God-fearing home where faith, family, hard work, and compassion were instilled in her from an early age. Those values became the foundation upon which she built a life of unwavering devotion to God, her family, and her community. Mae began her education at DeRossitt Elementary School, located on the Gene Johnson Farm near Widener, Arkansas. She later attended Eldridge Butler Elementary School in Madison, Arkansas, before continuing her education at Lincoln Junior High School and Lincoln Senior High School in Forrest City. In 1970, she proudly graduated from Lincoln Senior High School as a member of one of the final graduating classes of the segregation era, marking an important chapter in the history of public education in Forrest City. In 1974, Mae met the love of her life, James Lee White, Sr. After four years of courtship, they were united in Holy Matrimony on December 17, 1978, in Madison, Arkansas. Their marriage was built upon love, faith, friendship, and mutual respect, and together they were blessed with two children, whom they lovingly raised and cherished. Soon after relocating to Forrest City, Mae began working in the Nutrition Department of the Forrest City School District. During this season of her life, she welcomed her first child. Determined to continue pursuing her education, she enrolled at East Arkansas Community College in the fall of 1990, aspiring to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She faithfully attended college for two years, but after the birth of her second child, she made the selfless decision to place her educational goals on hold in order to devote herself completely to raising her young family. She never viewed that sacrifice as a setback—it was simply another expression of her unconditional love as a mother. In 1998, Mae returned to the Forrest City School District Nutrition Department, where she faithfully served students and staff until declining health led to her retirement. She took pride in her work and appreciated every opportunity to serve others. Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Her spiritual journey began at her grandfather’s church, Madison C.O.G.I.C., founded by Elder Andrew Willis, Sr., which was later renamed Willis Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent J. D. Alexander, Jr. Throughout the years, she also faithfully worshipped and served at Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, Fellowship Community Church, and New Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church. Her love for the Lord was evident in both her words and her actions. She faithfully served in numerous capacities including Praise and Worship Leader, Choir Member, Soloist, Bible Band Teacher, Home and Foreign Mission Teacher, Sunday School Secretary, Missionary, Prayer Warrior, and Church Mother. Whatever God called her to do, she served with humility, excellence, and joy. Mae possessed a servant’s heart. During her younger years, she regularly visited elderly members of the community in their homes to sing, pray, and encourage them. She believed everyone deserved kindness, compassion, and the assurance that someone cared. She faithfully participated in a weekly prayer line and became known by many as a true prayer warrior whose prayers brought comfort and strength to countless lives. Affectionately known as the “Songbird of the Family,” Mae never hesitated to lift her voice in praise whenever someone needed encouragement. Music was one of God’s greatest gifts to her, and through song she comforted grieving hearts, strengthened weary souls, and glorified the Lord. She loved cooking and preparing meals for family gatherings, creating memories around the table that will forever be cherished. She also faithfully cared for her grandmother, her father, and her beloved husband during times of illness, exemplifying Christ-like compassion and unconditional love. Her caregiving spirit reflected her belief that serving others was one of life’s greatest callings. In 2017, one of Mae’s greatest joys came with the birth of her precious granddaughter, Ariana Sparkmon. Becoming “Grandma” filled her heart with immeasurable happiness, and she treasured every opportunity to love, encourage, and spoil Ariana. Mae had a unique gift for speaking life into others. She was a trusted confidante, a listening ear, a comforting shoulder to cry on, and a source of godly wisdom. Whether family, friend, or stranger, she freely shared encouragement, biblical counsel, and unconditional love with anyone who crossed her path. One of Mae’s favorite songs proclaimed, “Lord, I’m willing to run on all the way from earth to glory.” Those words beautifully described the life she lived. She faithfully ran her race with grace, perseverance, and unwavering faith until God called her home. Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Lee White, Sr.; her parents, John Chism and Mary Willis Chism; and her brothers, Arel, Robert Chism, and Edward Chism. She leaves to forever cherish her loving memory her devoted daughter, Melodie White, and her loving son, James White, Jr., both of Forrest City, Arkansas; her precious granddaughter, Ariana Sparkmon of Forrest City, Arkansas; four sisters, Lizzie Taylor and Gladys Taylor, both of Little Rock, Arkansas, Minnie Dillard of Forrest City, Arkansas, and Doretha Chism of West Memphis, Arkansas; three brothers, Johnny Chism of Forrest City, Arkansas, Joe Chism of Flint, Michigan, and Moses Chism of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, countless friends, church family, and all whose lives were forever enriched by her love, kindness, faith, and generosity. Though our hearts are saddened by her departure, we rejoice knowing that Mother Mae Ella Chism White has received the reward prepared for faithful servants. Her beautiful voice now joins Heaven’s choir, her labor is complete, and her faith has become sight. Her legacy of love, compassion, service, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion will continue to inspire generations to come. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Mother Mae Ella Chism White

November 5, 1950 - July 7, 2026