Wilda Arlene (Pearce) White who was born September 12, 1926 in Somerset, PA went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
The daughter of the late Rev. Norman A. and Twila (Brothers) Pearce. She married Cloyd F. White on September 15, 1946, who preceded in her death on April 7, 1989.
Wilda was a member of the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church in Juneau for 59 years. She also attended Trinity United Methodist Church upon moving to Indiana in 2005. She served as the Valley Chapel Church pianist for 58 years. Sometime in the ‘40’s Junior and Senior Choirs were formed. She played for both of these. She served as the director for 18 years. She also played for many weddings, funerals and singing groups (The Original Harmony Four, Men’s Quartette, Men’s Chorus, other duets, solos and family groups). For 20 years she accompanied Emogene (Weaver) Doverspike, who played the Electric Hawaiian Guitar. Many years of practice and dedication went into her music, which was a gift given by God. Almost all of those years she helped with Bible School. She was president of the United Methodist Women for 24 years, starting at the age 17 in the Marchand Church. In addition, she served as Lay Delegate for the Western PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for 12 years. Her heart was in missions and she was chairperson for the missions for several years.
Surviving is her daughter, Debra Edwards; son, Dennis White and his wife, Drinda; two brothers, Carlton Pearce and his wife, Margaret and Gerald Pearce and his wife, Thelma; six grandchildren, Brehenna Davenport, Dayna Edwards, Curtis Edwards, Tanner Edwards, Joanna White, and Justin White; eleven great-grandchildren, Brooke, Brittyn, Brice, Jarrett, Alexander, Maddix, Khylee, Liam, Jace, Ja’Vion, and Jakobee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Wilda was preceded in death by six brothers, Melvin, Alva, Edwin, Norman, Galen, and Harold Pearce; a sister, Mary Pearce; and a foster sister, Violet Beck.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Indiana. A service of worship and celebration of life will immediately follow with Pastor Donald Brauer, officiating.
Interment will follow in the Union Cemetery, Rossiter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Chapel United Methodist Church, Juneau, PA.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home.
