Delores “Dee” Marie Knowles White, 89, Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022, at her residence surrounded by her family.
“Dee” was born in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, on July 4, 1933, daughter of William Harold and Dorothy Marie (Lechner) Knowles.
She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1951. Dee was a member of the choir, band, and was an MCHS cheerleader. The Class of 1951 has maintained close contact with each other with reunions every five years and since the 1990’s has had monthly luncheons.
While raising her four children Dee was busy as a Beta Sigma Phi member, Scout Leader, 4-H Leader, and was instrumental in organizing the Mt. Carmel Swim and Diving Teams. She was involved at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School along with being active with Mt. Carmel Community affairs.
Music was major love in her life, singing at church and high school choir. Dee was on the team to assist Director “Pappy” Perkins and to establish the Wabash Valley College Choir. She enjoyed attending the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra concerts and held season tickets for over 30 years.
Dee retired after 30 years of service from Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company. Since then, she was active in the MCHS Alumni Foundation and volunteered at the Wabash County Museum.
She was crafty and hand painted sweatshirts and totes for all her family and friends, enjoyed gardening, reading books, followed the MCHS Aces Football games and traveled with her friends.
Surviving are her children, Teri Marie White (Evansville, IN), Tina Michelle Cox (Eddyville, IL), Tami Margaret White (Mt. Carmel, IL); grandson Jeremy Knowles White and wife Deavon; great grandson Malakai (Evansville, IN); sister, Billie Jeanne Knowles Kelly (Gretna, LA); sister-in-law Janice Knowles Gill (Gibson City, IL); many nieces and nephews; and “Peg”.
Preceding Dee in death were her parents; son, Timothy Michael White; brother, Harold Lee (Butch) Knowles; great nephew, Seaman Shawn Debenport; and son-in-law, Al Cox.
Visitation for Dee will be Friday, October 28, 2022, at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home, 527 N Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A Graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 1827 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
The family suggests Memorial Contributions be made to MCHS Alumni Foundation or the Wabash County Museum. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Dee’s family
