Viria White

On August 12, 2020, Sister Viria White entered the arms of her Heavenly Father and – as Viria put it – she is now “Dancing with Jesus and will see us again in Heaven.” Viria was born November 22, 1952, to the late Annie Mae (Cheely) Jackson and Herbert Cummings in Mitchell, GA. On April 13, 1979, Sis. Viria made a decision that directed the course of the rest of her life. On that special day Sis. Viria was baptized after accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior – a commitment that she took very seriously. Viria earned an Executive Secretary Certification with Honors in September 1980. In June 1982 she received an Associate in Science Degree from Massasoit Community College. Sis. Viria also focused earnestly on the Word of God as she went on to earn more than 20 certificates in Christian courses of study that she completed over the years. As a faithful member Sis. Viria served the church of Jesus Christ – whether at Beaver Ruin Road Baptist Church or Central Baptist Church or her most recent church home, Freedom Church of Gwinnett under Dr. Gregory V. Baker Sr., Pastor, and First Lady Tameka Baker. A solid student of the Bible, Sis. Viria is known for her passionate non-stop heart to evangelize the lost to Christ and for intercessory prayer. No matter the church, Sis. Viria always served in those two areas. Known as a Prayer General, many have reported that “No one prays like Sister Viria” and that “Sis. Viria is a Prayer Sniper – look out because she will lay you out in prayer.” As serious as she was about her faith, she equally had a great sense of humor and could find a way to make almost anyone laugh in any situation. From her quick wit to her funny dances or facial expressions, Viria experienced so many of the simple joys of life, food and friendships over the years, leaving her fingerprint on the lives of many. Sister Viria is preceded in death by her brothers, Willie Cummings and Melvin Cummings, and her sister Beatrice Cummings. To cherish her memories, Viria leaves behind her two greatest joys who made her so proud to be a mom, her beloved son, Corey White of Kutztown, PA; her daughter, “Baby-girl Number 1” Sumaya White of Irving, TX by way of Massachusetts; and her precious Granddaughter Hannah White of Exeter, PA. She also leaves behind two brothers, Eulice (Annie) Cummings of Rochester, NY and Ernest (Carrie) Cummings of Augusta, GA; two sisters Mary Alice Cummings of St. Petersburg, FL and Saint Ethel Stafford of Boston, MA; aunt Lillian Knight of St. Petersburg, FL; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, her church families, and her friends. So with that, on today we honor a life well lived. No, it wasn’t easy, but she has come a long way. If nothing else, Viria has two final questions that she wants everyone to answer: “Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Personal Lord and Savior? And if not, can I pray with you?”

Tributes

Viria White

November 25, 1952 - August 13, 2020