Musical Prelude
Order of Service
Bishop Darryl Thomas, Officiant Morning Glory Apostolic Ministry, Alexandria, VA
In His Presence Conference Choir
Sister Chanell Taylor, Directress
The Processional Clergy and Family
Musical Selection
Old Testament Reading - Proverbs 31: 28-31
New Testament Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17
Prayer of Comfort
Musical Selection
Special Greetings on behalf of Johnson Funeral Services
Pastoral Remarks
Reading of Obituary
Reflections (3 Minutes)
Musical Selection
Family Tributes (3 Minutes)
Official Acknowledgements and Resolutions
Musical Selection
Eulogy
In His Presence Conference Choir
Sister Chanell Taylor, Directress
Deacon Leroy Woodley Refuge Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
Elder David Hill
Associate Pastor, Refuge Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
Elder Michael Wyche, Senior Pastor
Crystal Cathedral Ministries, Prince George, VA
In His Presence Conference Choir
Sister Chanell Taylor, Directress
Wendal A. Givens, Funeral Director
Elder Jerry Rose, Senior Pastor Refuge Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
Sister Cynthia Chambliss
Refuge Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
Missionary Queen Nash, President Missionary Department, Virginia Northern Diocese
Lady Stephanie Taylor
Calvary Outreach Revival Center, Petersburg, VA
In His Presence Conference Choir
Sister Chanell Taylor, Directress
Jane Bloomfield Wynn (Niece)
Vondell White, Ashley Savage (Grandchildren) Regina Kee (Daughter)
Deacon Marquise L. Rose Refuge Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
Sister Tracy Pryor, Vice President of Global Missions COOLJC International Women’s Council
Justin Savage (Grandson)
District Elder Wesley Taylor, Jr. Calvary Temple Church, Petersburg, VA
The Recessional Clergy and Family
The Life & Legacy
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1
On June 17, 2024, the Lord called his servant home to be at rest, from Labor to Reward.
MOTHER GERTRUDE ARABELLA WHITE, was born April 5, 1936 in Harlem, New York. She was the fifth child and only daughter born to Walter and Martha Bloomfield. Her early childhood was spent in Richmond, VA. During her adolescent years, she resided in Washington, D.C., and was cared for by her aunts Sara Lumpkins and Gertrude Rice. After returning back home to Richmond, she completed her studies at Maggie L. Walker High School, and on June 9, 1953, she entered into holy matrimony with the love of her life, the late Pastor Emeritus, District Elder Cornelius H. White.
From their 67-year union, they were blessed with eight children: Cordelia Arabella (Joseph, deceased), Brenda Ann (Rubin, deceased), Timothy Wayne, Cornelius Mark (deceased), Regina Gale, Martha Louise (Calvin), Caroline Denise (Tyrone) and Sharlene Janet (George). Nicknamed “Gertie” by her husband and “Abby” by family, she was “Grandma” to 15 grandchildren: Jewel, Vondell, Ashley (Justin), Joy (Altmann), Maurice, Calvin Jr., Jamie, Aaron, Justin, Timothy Jr., Terrence, Alexandra, Amber, Morgan, Christopher; and “Great Grandma” to 9 great grandchildren.
Mother White surrendered her life to Christ in 1955 and received her spiritual tutelage under the leadership of her uncle and aunt, Pastors James and Amanda Wilson at St. James United Holiness Church in Richmond, VA. Mother White became a licensed Missionary and Evangelist under the leadership of the late Bishop Charles D. Williams at Friendly Church of God in Christ in Anchorage, Alaska. She also served faithfully at Padgett Temple and Riverhead Church of God in Christ, in New York.
Relocating to Petersburg, Virginia in 1970, she admirably served under the late Bishop Floyd C.P. Hill, Sr. at Refuge Temple Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith, Inc. After the appointment of her husband, District Elder Cornelius H. White to the office of Pastor, she served as the First Lady for 24 years. Mother White served faithfully in the organization for more than 30 years as District and State Mother of the Northern Diocese, Women’s Council President and Secretary, District Missionary President, Ministers’ and Deacons’ Wives Guild Auxiliary Member, and Sunday School Teacher. Mother White attended the Floyd C. P. Hill, Sr. Church of Christ Bible Institute Extension and dedicated her life to exemplifying the Word of God throughout the Body of Christ.
She graduated from LaRose Beauty Institute in Petersburg, VA as a licensed Cosmetologist and also served on the Electoral Board of Registration within her community. Mother White loved teaching and studying the word of God, singing, cooking, journaling, traveling, and hosting family gatherings. She leaves a rich legacy and precious memories to be cherished by her children, godchildren, family, and friends.
Ministry
Gertrude
G Great is Thy Faitfulness
E Elect of God
R Righteous in Your Walk
T Trustworthy
R Reedeemed by God
U Unique Lady
D Dedicated Servant
E Excelled Them All
May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me
May the work I’ve done speak for me, May the work I’ve done speak for me, When I’m resting in my grave, There is nothing that can be said, May the work I’ve done speak for me
May the life I’ve lived speak for me,
May the life I’ve lived speak for me, When the best I tried to live, My mistakes He forgives,
May the life I’ve lived speak for me
May the service I gave speak for me, May the service I gave speak for me, When I’ve done the best I could
And my friends don’t understand, May the service I gave speak for me
Our Story
Where do we begin to tell the story of how great a love can be
A sweet story, older than the sea
Shared by Gertie and Nea
Always caring for one another and never tiring of each other’s company
No disagreement was irresolvable
Peace, Harmony and Commitment was important to them, Submission was never a problem; for the Word says so of each other They openly expressed love, even when there was no special occasion With a smile, a hug, a hand touch, or an affectionate kiss, Instilled in their children was a true love example of “A Virtuous Woman and a Man after God’s own Heart”
REMEMBER: Instilled in each of you, (our children), are true love examples of a Virtuous Woman and a Man after God’s Own Heart.
My Beloved
Family Moments
Family Moments
