Ammie (Wilks) White

Ammie Wilks White was a light that shined bright for ninety-six years. A glowing example of Christ's love. She was born to Tom and Patsy Wilks on January 6, 1927, in Benton, Mississippi (Yazoo County). The family was large and very close. Her siblings Lawrence, Lewis (DeeDee), Corene, John, Rosebud (Rosie), Allen (White), Ada, Lillie Belle (Belle), Mary (Seabird), Dave, and Jesse helped build a treasure trove of memories that were lovingly shared throughout the years.

As a child, Ammie was described as an "old soul" who preferred the company and conversation of adults. She was wise and mature beyond her years. At the tender age of nine, Ammie's maternal grandfather died-a major life event that significantly shaped her future. Because of Ammie's wisdom and maturity-and her enjoyment of older persons-Ammie was given the option of living with her recently widowed grandmother, Tish. Ammie agreed to live with her grandmother and all parties involved considered this a wonderful, but temporary, living arrangement. However, a special bond developed between Ammie and her grandmother. The two became inseparable. Ammie lived with her grandmother and cared for her until her grandmother's death five years later.

At the age of fourteen, Ammie returned to her parent's home. This was a difficult adjustment for Ammie as she coped with the loss of her dear grandmother. When she turned seventeen, Ammie's parents purchased a farm in Lexington, MS and made preparations to move. Ammie, however, chose instead to seek employment in Cleveland, OH while living with her sister, Corene. Several of her siblings had already moved North seeking better opportunities as part of the Great Migration settling in Cleveland and Chicago. Ammie, and many of her family in Cleveland, became affiliated with East Mount Zion Baptist Church pastored by Reverend William H. Downs. Ammie joined East Mount Zion in 1945 and served faithfully for many years until her health prevented her from doing so. She was an integral part of the church's growth and of creating a loving, Christ-centered community of believers.

Several years after moving to Cleveland, Ammie met Marvin. They shared similar values when it came to matters of home and family, work ethic, and, most importantly, their faith. On their first date, Marvin emphatically said to Ammie, "I'm going to marry you!" Three months later on November 27, 1947 they were united in holy matrimony by Rev. Downs and were married for forty-seven years at the time of Marvin's death. To their union, three daughters were born: Bernida (Gigi), Alma, and Coretta.

Ammie was extraordinarily gifted in several areas and these gifts became her life ministries because of the love and joy she provided and received. A talented seamstress, she specialized in alterations and took great pride in ensuring that the finished product provided the perfect fit. Her skills were frequently in demand. Her customers, however, were more than business acquaintances. Because of Ammie's kindness and warmth, many lasting relationships and friendships were formed during measurements and fittings.

Ammie's culinary skills were second to none. Preparing food was her love language and she joyfully and generously shared her love. Known for her delicious, "down-home" meals and elegant dinner parties, her food was indeed soul food feeding much more than the physical body. Presentation was key and every meal was a true "White House" dining experience! Fine china, crystal, and beautiful place settings were her signature touches. Oh, how she enjoyed preparing food, creating the perfect ambiance, and seeing the smiles on her guests' faces. A master baker, her yeast rolls and cakes were highly sought-after favorites. Amazingly, she prepared her own birthday cake in celebration of her 96th birthday!

Ammie was often complimented for her impeccable sense of style in both fashion and home decor. She possessed an "eye" for color and unique items. Ammie also loved hats and jewelry and always made a fashion statement whether clothed in casual or dressy attire.

In 2010 at her family's urging because of health challenges, Ammie moved to Woodbridge, VA to live with Alma and family. There she joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, her family's place of worship. As God would have it, she was revitalized by the membership who embraced her and poured their love into her. Shortly after joining Ebenezer, Ammie was recognized and honored as a church "Mother" and was a regular attendee at noonday Bible study with the Ebenezer Golden Eagle Seniors Ministry.

In 2015, the family moved to Huntersville, NC where they all joined St. Paul Baptist Church located in Charlotte NC. Once again, Ammie was embraced and loved by her new church family. She attended church and Bible study regularly until the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person worship. As a result of moving to Huntersville, Ammie was happy to live in the vicinity of her younger brother, Jesse.

Ammie peacefully transitioned to be with God at her home on March 29th with Alma and her son-in-law, Gerald, by her side. Ammie was loved and valued for many of her attributes not the least of which were her wisdom, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and sincerity of spirit. She left a lasting legacy that will be forever treasured by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughters Gigi and Coretta, and nine of her eleven siblings. Celebrating their precious memories of Ammie are her daughter Alma (Gerald); sisters Belle and Seabird; grandchildren Gerald III (Candace), Whitney (Michael), Destiny, and Chandler; son-in-law Solomon; great-grandchildren Gerald IV, Christian, and Leah; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends including many from her church families.