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Don White Obituary

Don Henry White Charleston - Don H. White was born on May 27, 1955 in Charleston, SC. He departed this life on Friday, June 2, 2017 at his residence. The relatives and friends of Mr. Don Henry White are invited to attend his Funeral Service 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 67 Anson Street. The burial will be at a later date. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Tuesday evening at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway. Online condolences may be made at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. Don was a son of Naomi M. White and the late Frank H. White, Sr. He was one of seven children and a twin brother to Yvonne A. White. He attended parochial school until the eleventh grade and graduated from James Island High School Class of 1973. He then furthered his education at New England Conservatory in Boston, MA. He also played with the Boston Pops. He later attended Coker College in Hartsville, SC, where he received his BA in music. Don started his musical career at St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he was choir director. He later became a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church. He then became employed full-time as Choirmaster/Organist. He also taught music at the College of Charleston for three years. Don was well known for his Iconic Inspirational Musical Style that only he can do. Don was a member of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He was also a member of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for many years. He was bestowed with the honor of Who's Who in the World. Don resided at 310 Broad Street for 15 years until he became ill. Don was not only an exceptional Classical musician, his talent went far beyond the Ivory Keys: he was an outstanding fashion designer as well as a gourmet chef and interior decorator. Don loved cultural events; he played for Spoleto, as well as the Moja Arts Festival. Don inspired all who came in contact with him through music, teaching and conversation. He had a flare for the finer things in life and he enjoyed them immensely until he became ill in October of 2009. Don was truly gifted and talented; everything he touched, he mastered; pure genius he was. Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank Henry White; two brothers, Frank Robert White and Frank Fred White; both paternal and maternal grandparents, and Jestine Matthews. Left to cherish his fond memories are his loving mother, Naomi White; three sisters, Francina M. Williams, his twin, Yvonne A. White, and Sonya D. Mitchell (Derrell); one brother, Jerome J. White (Vera); and sister-in-law, Ruth L. White. A host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends will mourn his passing. Arrangements by JAMES A. McALISTER, Inc. 843-755-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jun. 4 to Jun. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Don White

Not sure what to say?





Deborah Moseley

May 28, 2025

Deborah D Moseley

June 18, 2023

In memoryam

Larry Werstler

June 17, 2023

Don is an awesome man loving God , always so happy and enjoy life to it fullest and loving friends,thanks for being my friend.

deborah d moseley

May 28, 2022

in memoryam

Harold Carrillo

June 27, 2017

Yvonne & Family: I recently learned of your Brother's passing. Don was my classmate during our formative years at good old ICS. May you find peace and know that he was a good guy. Take Care.

Herchula Cooper

June 27, 2017

My God bless you in this time of sorrow

Carolyn Durant White

June 8, 2017

To the White family,I extend my deepest sympathy to you all.Don was truly a blessed and destined person to always excel in whatever he did in life.I was his nieghbor three house down on Nassau Street,also now with the same last name White,had two children on Nassau Street,Carlos,whom passed in 2013,and Pamela Durant.Sister and Nephew Curtis Ancrum across the street 35 Nassau and 30 Nassau.Don was always a joy to be around as a child to an adult,always making someone laugh.He was always dear to my heart,as a younger friend to an older friend.He will truly be missed,truly his smile will never leave my mind.Be blessed family,RIP for Don.

Deborah Pendarvis McMurray

June 7, 2017

Hello Yvonne and the White family. I'm so sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jon Shannon

June 6, 2017

I knew Don at Coker College and always admired his talents and individuality. So sad to hear of the passing of this iconic, free spirit.

June 6, 2017

It was always a joy when Don joined with the Bethel choir singing.We have missed him Neltie and bob Linker

Jerome White

June 6, 2017

Heaven gained another angel. RIP Uncle Don. You will be truly missed. I will cherish all the memories we had

Jerome White Jr

June 6, 2017

May you rest peacefully Uncle Don. I will never forget you. Love you JJ

Rosemary Tollerson

June 6, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Thomas "Jack" Fludd Jr.

June 6, 2017

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Sidney & Ronail Fludd Dowling Sr.

June 6, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Michael Jerome Fluddd

June 6, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Thomas Fludd Sr

June 6, 2017

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Betty Jean Fludd Freeman & Family

June 6, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Rev. Sandy Moyle

June 6, 2017

I am saddened by Don White's death. While he still could he often attended Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, Pawleys Island with his good friend Suzy Bateman. We have missed his gentle presence among us.

June 5, 2017

Mrs. Naomi, sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family. Ours is a relationship that goes back to grade school at ICS. Don was truly in a class by himself, an outstanding artist. May God comfort you. Sincerely, Elinor Holmes Coaxum and Family

Mae E. White

June 5, 2017

My sorrow goes out to my adopted family. Rest in peace, Don! Family be strong! Love to all of you!

John Edwards

June 5, 2017

Mel and I are so sorry to hear about Don. I so enjoyed working with him during my time as Parish Administrator at St. Stephens. We also have fond memories of our times to Georgtown to visit with him. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Juliette White

June 5, 2017

Condolences to Mom Naomi and my extended family. God blessed Charleston's eastside with many gifted individuals, but none like Don. I really enjoyed being in his company over the years, while living two doors up Nassau Street and after leaving home and returning for vacations, holidays, special and not so special occasions. He was a great motivator and role model who taught and exposed many of us to the finer things in life, especially music, cooking, the arts and fashion. He will always be remembered. No more pain. Rest in peace dear friend, rest in peace.

Theta White Washington

June 5, 2017

H. Don White as I affectionally called him. Not only was he a great neighbor and partner-in-crime he was also my extended family. We shared the same last name but different parents. You see we grew up together on Nassau Street, 2 doors apart. No blood relation but you would not have known that. When Don took sick I never visited him because I did not want to see him in that manner. I will always cherish the love and affection we had for each other. He never told me no. A true friend and brother indeed. Sleep on my friend and brother. I will always love you.

Charles Lippy

June 5, 2017

Don was a gifted organist and a dedicated advocate of the best in church music. All of us in the Charleston Chapter of the American Guild of Organists mourn his death and extend our prayers and sympathy. As chaplain of the Charleston AGO, I also personally offer my condolences.

Deborah Moseley

June 5, 2017

- a very fine Organist and Minister of Music. My condolences to the family.

Michael C. Watson

June 5, 2017

Don was my classmate, neighbor, friend and partner-in-crime. My love for organ music is all due to his fantastic talent - we spent many nights at St. Patrick's, he played while I sat mesmerized. A great guy!

Christopher Gilliard

June 5, 2017

I would like to extend both mine and my family's condolences to our friends the White family in these sad times. Don was really a one of a kind person and he will be missed for both his talents and his great embrace of life. May he rest in the peace and the comfort of God's love.

Dana Berlin Strange

June 4, 2017

I have been a part of this family all my life.I feel the pain of Don' s illness and his passing along side his family.Words aren't enough to describe my feelings as you know.
Don will be with Bobby,Jestine,and Robert ,true unconditional love.
Always,Dana

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