Obituary: Vicki Rae White

Vicki Rae White (July 14, 1952–December 4, 2025)

Vicki Rae White, age 73, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 4, 2025. She was born on July 14, 1952, in Moulton, Ala., to the late Lilbern “Barna” and Sarah (Ellenburg) Owen. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law Glenda Sturm and brother-in-law Dennis Bruck.

Vicki is survived by her husband of 55 years, Tony White; children, Rob (Dawn) White and Melanie (Eric) Champion; grandchildren, Emma (Tony) Garcia, Jake White, Aviles (Logan) Gilbert, Alaila Champion, and Amarige Champion; and great-grandson Henry Strider Gilbert. She is also survived by her siblings, Faye (Darrell) Sutfin, Lynn (Diana) Owen, and Dianna Bruck; in-laws, Dennis Sturm, Sandy (Garey) Perry, and Cindy White; and longtime special friends, Mary Ann Dettling and Deana Childers.

Tony and Vicki began dating when he returned home after serving in Vietnam and were married the following spring. For the first few years of their marriage, they lived in Willow Run with their son Rob. They moved to Manchester the day Melanie came home from the hospital. It was clear early in Vicki’s life that she was gifted when working with children. So not long after arriving in Manchester, Vicki evolved from babysitting to operating a daycare. She became known to many as “The Baby Whisperer.” For nearly 50 years she provided outstanding loving care to many families in the Manchester area.

Her love for Jesus, her love for her family and friends, and her love for children were certainly her dominant characteristics. She was a blessing to many people and will be fondly remembered by all who knew her well.

The family would especially like to thank Arbor Hospice nurse Hailey Porter, who happens to also be a former Vicki Day Care Kid, and Visiting Angel caregiver Peggy Shears. These two wonderful ladies provided Vicki with special loving care when she absolutely needed it the most. There will be two Celebrations of Life, one in Michigan and one in Florida.

Saturday, January 10, 2026
11:30am
Faith Community Church
894 E Huron River Dr
Belleville, Ml 48111

and

Saturday, February 7, 2026
11:30am
Magnolia Farm
27805 State Hwy 44
Eustis, FL 32736

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.