Madella L. White
Madella L. White, 91, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Madella Lee White, was born June 4, 1933 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas to William and Bessie (Koger) Waller. Madella grew up in Adair, Oklahoma, where she attended local schools and graduated with the class of 1950. After a brief period working at Cook Paint Company in Tulsa, her life took a joyous turn when she married her high school sweetheart, Doyle Stricklin, on January 12, 1952. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Susan and Paula. As a devoted mother, Madella embraced the role of a stay-at-home parent, pouring her love and energy into raising her young family.
The Stricklins later moved to Arkansas, where Doyle established his own CPA practice. During this time, Madella began to pursue her own dreams. She took classes at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and eventually earned her bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University. She later became a cherished first-grade teacher in Siloam Springs. Not stopping there, Madella then obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas.
A new chapter began for the family when they relocated to Sullivan, Missouri, as Doyle accepted a position at East Central College. Madella found her calling, initially teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Saint Anthony Catholic School and later special education within the Sullivan School District. Her impact on the lives of countless students was profound, and she retired from her beloved profession in early 2000’s.
Doyle sadly passed away in 1976. Madella later would go on to remarry in 1981 to David White. Together they remained within the Sullivan Community.
Madella loved to travel, cherishing family vacations to underground caves and Dogpatch with Doyle and their daughters. She also enjoyed attending worship services at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon and, more recently, at First Baptist Church of Sullivan.
Madella was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. She was known for her generosity and her unwavering positivity, always having a kind word to say about others. Her contributions to her community and the cause of education were immeasurable.
An avid collector, Madella's home was filled with treasures ranging from figurines to rocks. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, quilting, and immersing herself in a good wholesome book. Above all, Madella cherished her role as "Grandy," a nickname given by her adoring grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered.
She is survived by her husband, David White of Sullivan, Missouri; two daughters, Susan Seely of Springfield, Missouri and Paula Slaughter and husband Mark of Marshfield, Missouri; three grandchildren: Stephen, Stephanie and Seth Seely; three great – grandchildren: Kaylee, Olive and Woody Seely; three siblings; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Doyle Stricklin; her grandparents, Cyrus and Bertha Koger; her parents, William Waller and Bessie Dial; and six siblings.
Graveside services will be 2 PM, Friday, July 26, 2024 at Adair Cemetery in Adair, Oklahoma.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date in Sullivan, Missouri.
Friends may send their online condolences to Madella’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Anthony Catholic School or the Sullivan School District.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.