Marion Sam White

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in New Iberia for Marion Sam White, 96. Visitation will be at the First United Methodist Church, 119 Jefferson Street on Wednesday, from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Entombment will follow in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Rev. Scott Bullock will officiate. Sam was born in Green, Kentucky on May 16, 1918 and died Sunday, September 21, 2014, at his residence in New Iberia, Louisiana. As a child, Sam spent ten years in the Masonic Widows and Orphans Home in Louisville, Kentucky. The Home always held a very special place in his heart. He expressed what a wonderful experience it was, explaining that he was very well cared for during those Depression years. He felt fortunate to have been able to live there. Sam attended the Masonic Home School, and then graduated from Berea College Academy in Berea, Kentucky and then attended the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. During World War II, he served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U. S. Air Force. On February 20, 1943, Sam married Elizabeth Hurt. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1946 and he and his wife, Elizabeth moved to New Iberia. Sam and Elizabeth moved to New Iberia in January of 1946 and immediately became active in their church and community. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and served it in many capacities throughout the years. He served as Chairman of the Official Board; Chairman of the Finance Committee; was a Church Lay Leader; Chairman of the Council on Ministries; served as Vice President on the District Board of Missions; served on the District Board of Trustees; taught Sunday School; and was the Churchs Historian. He was a faithful member of the church for 68 years. He was very active in his community as well. Sam was a member of the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, United Givers Fund, Vice Chairman of the Local Community Relations Committee; a member of the Board of Advisors for the Salvation Army; a Charter Member of the Jaycees; a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Krewe of Andulusia. On February 1, 1944, Sam signed a contract with Mutual of New York (MONY) Life Insurance Company as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), moved to New Iberia and worked for MONY until his retirement. He had a long, successful career with the company. He established the first Underwriters Association in New Iberia as well as chairing and serving on many committees on the State, S. W. Region, and National levels of MONY. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his achievements. He received 48 consecutive President Council Honor Club award. The Presidents Council Award is given to the top 50 salesmen of MONY each year. In 1980, he was awarded the highest honor given by MONY. He was named MONY Man of the Year. This award is presented to the top salesman in the nation each year. His picture was on the cover of Time Magazine. It was a goal that he had set for himself when he joined the company years before. Throughout his life, Sam was dedicated to the people he served, both on a personal and professional level. One of his greatest joys was the surrogate relationships he and Elizabeth developed over the years with so many young people. They provided love, encouragement, guidance and support throughout the years, enriching the lives of their surrogate children. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Hurt White; father James T. White; mother Gladys King White; brothers John L. White, Lionel E. White, James L. White and Joe K. White. He is survived by his niece, Janice W. Schmitt and husband Dr. Steve Schmitt; great nephew Philipp J. Schmitt; great niece Stephanie M. Schmitt; sister-in-law Jean White, wife of his brother, Joe King White; nephew, Terry Collins; niece, Martha Farris. The family would like to thank Norma Abdalla Huck for her many years of devotion to both Sam and his wife, Elizabeth. She showered them with love, care and compassion and they delighted in her many visits each week. She was considered a member of the family and was a very special part of their lives. The family would also like to acknowledge His Delcambre Angels who were a constant source of joy and comfort to him, especially since the death of his wife, Elizabeth. Many thanks are expressed to his faithful and compassionate sitters, Jerrica Mitchell, Mary Jones, Tracy Ratliff and Genneville Lyons for their constant, loving care; and also Amedisys Hospice and Desiree Derouen. Also left behind to treasure his memory is his very special daughter, Laurie Hebert, his secretary, friend and confidant. She was in his employ for 17 years and was considered a member of the family. Her love and compassion for him knew no bounds. Pallbearers will be Burt Cestia, III, Michael Cockrell, Seth A. Hebert, Dr. Don Henagan, Bud Lee and George Trappey, III. Honorary Pallbearers will be Marcel Snub Derouen, Don Rutherford, Mike Stockstill, Jerry Wallace and Guyton Watkins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 119 Jefferson Street in New Iberia, or to the charity of your choice. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331 is in charge of the arrangements.