In loving memory

Velva Ann (Payne) White was born on September 28, 1957 in Covington, Tennessee as the 12th of 13 children to the late Elvin and Nellie Mae Payne of Atoka, Tennessee. She departed this life on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

Velva graduated from Brighton High School in 1975. She went on to attend Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee and Memphis State University in Memphis, Tennessee where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in 1987.  Velva also pursued and received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University in 2012.

Velva worked for UT Medical Services before moving on to International Paper where she worked for 23 years. Most recently, she worked for UPS as a Sales Account Manager in Memphis and Washington, D.C.

In May 1979, Velva was united in Holy Matrimony to Larry White. The couple was married for 15 years and had two sons, Lawrence Darell White and Anthony Michael White.

Velva was in constant motion. She had several hobbies that kept her on the go. Velva was an avid traveler and had her passport stamped from many different countries.   She had an unbridled passion for running. For over 35 years she competed in 29 marathons and countless half marathons and 5k runs across the country. Most notably she ran and completed the Boston Marathon four times: 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2006. When running wasn’t enough, Velva started biking so that she could compete in biathlons. She then added swimming to her repertoire and became a triathlete. Her love for athletics led her to develop her own brand, “Vee Sportswear.” 

Velva leaves behind a host of loved ones: sons, Lawrence Darell White and Anthony Michael White (Heather), MJ (beloved Tennessee Brindle Hound) of Washington, D.C.; siblings, Bennie Arther Payne (Rene - deceased), Maywood, IL, Ruby Traylor (Don) Cleveland, OH, Walter Payne (Joyce), Los Angeles, CA., Mary Williams (Oakley – deceased), Denver, CO., Fred Payne (Marsha), Altadena, CA., Lenord Payne (Bobbie), Memphis, TN., Almetrice Washington (Jimmie), Byhalia, MS., Stella Payne, Atlanta, GA; aunt Sophronia Grooms (Ulysses - deceased), Chicago, IL., and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Elvin and Nellie Mae Payne and her sisters, Artensia Taylor, Louise Douglas, Emma Payne, and Linda Lee.