Shirley White-Dale

Shirley Avalon White Dale (affectionately known to family as “Shay”) entered Heaven’s gates on Jan 3, 2019. She was born in Berlin, Maryland and later relocated to Paterson, New Jersey. She is predeceased by her husband, Jesse, daughter, Andreé, parents Raymond and Avalon White, brother, Raymond White Jr, and sister, Melva Fowler. Shirley loved the Lord and trusted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a member of New Bethel United Methodist Church in Berlin, Maryland and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, New Jersey. Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Jesse Dale. From this union were born three children Andreé, Carla, and Michael. She was a loving, compassionate mother who was involved in all aspects of her children's lives. She loved to laugh and was an excellent communicator. She loved to play bridge and enjoyed shopping, the arts and theatre, travel, and sports - especially basketball. She was a Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She loved education, and pursed her dream of being a lifelong educator. She earned her undergraduate degree from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and subsequently earned her Masters degree from Willian Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. Shirley worked hard to become a beloved teacher, librarian, and eventually retired as vice principal in the Paterson Public School District after 40 years of service. She was among the most well respected educators in the community. One of her great loves were children in whom she celebrated and cherished. She made a point to connect with each individual student to ensure their successful learning process. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter Carla (Charles) and her son, Michael (Elizabeth). She also leaves three grandchildren LaToya Renee Jackson, Jessica Shea Dale, and Charles Anthony Ross. Additionally, she leaves one sister, Sharon Showell and three brothers, Kenneth White (Patricia), Ronald White (Yvette), and Vaughn White (Shirley). Shirley also leaves an uncle, Phillip Purnell (Gloria), and two aunts, Norma Conquest, and Barbara Corbin. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Shirley White-Dale

December 17, 1935 - January 3, 2019