Lurean White was born April 14, 1939, the 10th of what was to be 12 children, in Darlove, Miss., to Willie and Lurean Cooper. The Lord called her name Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, after an extended illness. She was 68.
In 1955, the family moved to Omaha, Neb., where she graduated from Central High School. In 1960, Lurean married Lee Frank White. Together they had three wonderful children, which she devoted her life to raising. Mr. White was in the U S Navy. In 1961, the family moved to Oak Harbor for a duty station. Several years later the family moved with the Navy to California and then in 1974 returned to Oak Harbor.
Lurean had several different jobs throughout her life, but the most memorable one was at the Navy Child Development Center in Oak Harbor. She loved her career as a childcare giver, working there for 25 years. She loved being around children, they filled her days with happiness and joy.
Lurean is survived by her daughter Pamela Gaimari of Oak Harbor, son Ronald White of Beverly Hills, Fla., and daughter Deborah Hayes with husband Reggie of Yokosuka, Japan. She also leaves grandchildren Jason, Corey, Motarayl, Tara and Junior, along with great-grandson Austin. She is also survived by brothers Henry and Early Cooper of Omaha, as well as sisters Lucille, Clidy and Virgie, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins around the country. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, seven brothers and sisters and grandson, Marcus.
A service celebrating Lurean’s life will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2.