Louise White

Dr. Louise Giesey White of Washington, D.C. passed away on December 26th at the home of her son, David in Darlington, South Carolina, surrounded by loving family, including her husband, the Reverend Dr. Edward Allen White. Louise was born to parents Mary Lafar and Bert Thomas Giesey on August 9th, 1932, in Wellesley, Massachusetts. She graduated from Smith College, Magna Cum Laude in 1954. That same year, she married Edward White on June 26, 1954. For the next fifteen years, Louise devoted herself to supporting her husband’s work in urban ministry and raising their five children. Beginning in 1969, under a Danforth Graduate Fellowship, Louise studied Political Science at American University. She earned her PhD in Political Science in 1974. Louise had a long and rich career as a political science professor, first at American University, and then at George Mason University. At George Mason she served as Chair in the Department of Public and International Affairs, and simultaneously served as the Director of the International Institute. She was the first recipient of the award for “International Educator of the Year” from GMU in 1997. As an expert in international development, she traveled to many countries, serving as a consultant on projects for the World Bank and for USAID. Louise was a tireless social and political activist throughout her life. She served on the DC Reentry Task Force in support of citizens returning to the community from prison, and championed the work of the Free Minds Book Club. Louise was avidly engaged in a longterm partnership between her local Church, Chevy Chase Presbyterian, and the Shikokho Women’s Group in Kakamega County of Kenya. She travelled to Kenya twice in support of building a maternity clinic, funding students’ education in the local school, and providing support for local AIDS orphans. Louise had a profound interest in the visual and performing arts and loved sharing this with others, taking her children and grandchildren on trips to art museums and theater. Upon retiring, she became a docent at the Hirschorn Museum. She inspired a love of literature in her grandchildren, spending countless hours reading to them aloud. Above all, Louise loved her family, and relished her relationships with her five children, twelve grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She took a keen interest in knowing and celebrating each grandchild. In addition to her husband Ed, she is survived by her sister, Emily Ann Hurt, her children (and spouses) Mary Francis Giffin (Robert), Tina White (Mary), Anne Louise White (Bill Cooksy), David White (Pattie) and Graham White (Debbie Whalen), and her grandchildren, Andrew, Sam (Genna) and Sarah Giffin, Evelyne, Haley and Cameron White, Emily and Molly Cooksy, Lillian, Louise and Sonora White, Madelyn White, her great granddaughter, Eleanor Cooksy, and a second great grandchild on the way. A memorial service will be planned for later, when friends and family can safely gather. Memorials may be made to Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, Washington D.C. to support the ministries so meaningful to Louise.

Louise White

December 26, 2020