Jean J. Bobo Kirkland White 1930-2024

She was born Aug. 16, 1930, in Charleston, W.Va., the daughter of Rev. Dr. Walter E. and Juanita Carlton-Bobo, residing in the area since 1941, coming from Cumberland, Maryland. She was a Struthers High School alumna.

She was employed with St. Elizabeth Hospital for 18 years as a ward clerk in pediatrics before retiring in 1991. She also worked at Southside Hospital as a nurses’ aide.

She enjoyed singing, sewing, quilting, bowling and spending time with family, to include traveling around the U.S. and an overseas tour of Great Britain and France.

She was a faithful life member of the Greater Liberty Baptist Church, where she was a choir songstress, a deaconess, a member of the nurses guild and a missionary and mother of the church. She encouraged others with her uplifting expression, “Keep Looking Up,” along with her melodious gift of song, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”

She served as the former president of Williamson Elementary PTA and Four Square Block Watch. She was a lifetime member of the National Council of Negro Women, the Friendly Club, the National Bowling Association and was a former vocalist in the Youngstown Symphony. She was honored on her 70th birthday by the former Mayor George M. McKelvey with a City of Youngstown Proclamation. Also commemorating her 90th birthday, Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Tito Brown, Mayor of Youngstown, visited Jean’s home presenting her with the Key to the City of Youngstown as acknowledgment for her civic service and noting her as a credit to the city, only deserving the best.

She was widowed twice, marrying Willie “Kirk” Kirkland Jr. on Dec. 14, 1946 — of this union were born five children and Willie departed this life in August 1966. She then married Judson “JC” White on March 26, 1972; he departed this life May 28, 2007.

Mother White’s life and legacy are prayerfully celebrated by her son, Raymond (Jovaunda) Kirkland of Sacramento, California; three daughters, Rita Wilson of Youngstown, Rhonda Kirkland of Baltimore, Maryland and Rosalyn Kirkland of Youngstown; stepchildren, Jacqueline and Jonathan Stone of Youngstown; one sister, Sarah Smith of Youngstown; one brother, Richard (Sandra) Bobo of Detroit, Michigan; an aunt, Gwendolyn Bobo-Gibson-Page of Baltimore, Maryland; sisters-in-law, Blanche Bobo of Fort Washington, Maryland, Delores Bobo of Girard, Karen Bobo-Mateson of Cincinnati, Laura Kirkland of Columbus, Georgia and Dr. Mary (David) Rice of Cleveland; a dear friend, Dorothy White of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Gina, Gerald, Hasaan, Monica, Raymond, Rachel, Milton, Richard, Terry, Dyshia, Jonathan Jr., Kenya and Amber; 18 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.

Mother White, a gentle-spirited woman of noble character symbolic of the Proverbs 31 virtuous woman, now rests among a “Great Cloud of witnesses” who include her parents; her husbands; her daughter, Roberta Gray; several siblings; many beloved in-laws; a grandson; a great-granddaughter; and a host of relatives and friends, who preceded her journey to an eternal home with the Lord.

Calling hours will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Chapel, 632 Belmont Ave., Youngstown.

Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, with final visitation from 11 a.m. to noon, at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 66 10th St., Campbell. Masks are suggested.

Burial will take place in Tod Homestead Cemetery.

Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Home.

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