Rev. Dr. John Thomas White

Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. John Thomas “J.T.” White, a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, pastor, community advocate, and servant of God, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 10, 1938, to the late John and Gussie Brown White. Reverend White accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1954 by the late Reverend Morris at First Free Missionary Baptist Church. As a young believer, he actively participated in the Sunday School and Youth Department, laying the foundation for a lifetime of Christian service. In October 1979, Reverend White answered the call of God to preach the Gospel under the pastorate of the late Reverend Robert C. Blakes, Sr. He was licensed to preach in 1982 and ordained in 1986 under the auspices of the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association, then led by Reverend Willie Earl Hausey. From 1980 to 1986, he faithfully served as Associate Minister of St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Louis W. Smith. On August 16, 1986, Reverend White was elected Pastor of Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church and was subsequently installed under the auspices of the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As a faithful and obedient under-shepherd, he preached and taught God's Word with love, wisdom, and understanding, guiding countless souls to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ. As a result, multitudinous witnesses have grown, are growing, and can speak boldly for the cause of Christ. Under Pastor White's visionary leadership, Greater King Solomon experienced tremendous growth and transformation. In August 1994, a new sanctuary was erected and dedicated to the glory of God. Fourteen years later, in July 2008, his vision once again became reality with the completion of the newly renovated Greater King Solomon Fellowship Hall, a facility dedicated to serving both the church and the surrounding community. After thirty-nine years of devoted service and faithful pastoral leadership, Reverend White retired as Pastor of Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church in May 2025, leaving an enduring legacy of faith, excellence, and service. Pastor White was a lifelong learner and a passionate advocate for education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later received a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1987. His pursuit of knowledge continued through doctoral studies in 1988, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth. In recognition of his distinguished ministry and decades of faithful service, Reverend White was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Christian Bible College of Louisiana in June 2025, one month after his retirement from active pastoral leadership. Throughout his ministry, Reverend White faithfully served in numerous religious leadership capacities at the local, state, and national levels. His dedication to advancing the Kingdom of God led him to serve as First Vice President of the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association, where he also served as a board member and advisor. He was an active member of the Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission Baptist State Convention and the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. Committed to Christian education, Reverend White was a Certified Instructor with the Department of Christian Education of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. He also maintained fellowship and collaboration with clergy throughout the region as a member of the United Baptist Pastors Alliance of New Orleans and Vicinity, Inc. Reverend White's commitment to serving others extended far beyond the walls of the church. A passionate advocate for community development and social responsibility, he founded and served as Chief Executive Officer of the Gert Town Community Development Center. His civic engagement also included active participation in All Congregations Together (ACT), Congregations United for Revitalization and Evangelism (CURE), and The Micah Project. He also served as a board member of the Greater New Orleans Foundation and the Gert Town Revitalization Initiative (GRI), where he worked diligently to promote neighborhood development, community empowerment, and opportunities for future generations. Through both ministry and public service, Reverend White dedicated his life to uplifting individuals, strengthening families, and improving the communities he so dearly loved. While deeply devoted to ministry and community service, Reverend White also embraced life's simple pleasures and treasured time spent outdoors. He was an avid golfer, dedicated hunter, accomplished runner, and active participant in the Senior Olympics, where he earned numerous track and field awards. His passion for recreation and fellowship was reflected through his membership in the West End Hunting and Stonebridge Country Clubs. His active lifestyle reflected his belief in caring for both body and spirit while appreciating the beauty of God's creation. Reverend White shared 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Emily Payton White. Their union was marked by love, devotion, laughter, and a shared commitment to family and faith. Together they raised seven children, instilling in them the values of integrity, service, and unwavering trust in God. A respected community activist and champion for the underserved, Reverend White worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others, advocate for equality, and strengthen neighborhoods throughout the Greater New Orleans area. His leadership within the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association further reflected his commitment to education, heritage preservation, and civic empowerment. Reverend John Thomas White, age 87, completed his earthly journey and entered his eternal rest on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the peace that comes from a life well lived. Having faithfully served God, his family, his church, and his community for many decades, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy rooted in faith, service, leadership, and unwavering compassion that will continue to inspire generations to come. He leaves to cherish his precious memories and celebrate his extraordinary legacy: his devoted wife of sixty years, Emily Payton White; his loving sister, Catherine (Robert) Lee; six children, Demetrius N. White, LaDeidra White-Fant, Donna White Stiger, Yolanda M. (Rev. Kenneth) Thibodeaux, Pamela Peters-Scott, Jonathan C. (Dawn) White, and Dr. Chad A. (Elley) White; 22 grandchildren: Kenisha S. Thibodeaux, Jarred M. Stiger, Jessica Fant, Nia Ashante White, Khadijah Janice Thibodeaux, Tiffany Henry (Claxstaveion "CJ" Henry), Chelsey Breion White, Sarah Christine White, Joshua Stiger, Chad Ajeney White, Jr., John Thomas White II, John Thomas White III, Bobby White, James Smith, Jovante White, Johnta White, Javier White, Jalen White, Stanley Connors, Shannon Connors, and Raven (Tyrone) Wright. 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Simora Davis and Cynthia Bursey; brothers-in-law Ivan (Terry) Welch and Norman Bartholomew; special family friends Phil and Deb Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, church family, extended family, and friends. Reverend White was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gussie Brown White; his brother, Joseph H. White (Joan Williams White); his son, Reverend Larry D. White (Dedria); and his grandson, Cassius E. White. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23. Relatives and friends, also Pastors, officers and members of Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches, Presidents, officers and members of Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association and New St. John Missionary Baptist Association, officers and members of Louisiana Home and Foreign Mission Baptist State Convention, Louisiana General Missionary Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention of America Inc., All Congregations Together (ACT), Congregations United for Revitalization and Evangelism (CURE), The Micah Project, Greater New Orleans Foundation and Gert Town Community Development Center are invited to attend the Wake Service on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Greater King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, 3305 Audubon Street beginning 7:00 pm. Elder Dr. Gerod Macon, pastor, officiating. Church visitation 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 13, 2026, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1807 Rev. John Raphael Way beginning 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Keith Paul Stewman, president of the Louisiana Freedmen Missionary Baptist General Association, moderator. Rev. Dr. Chad A. White eulogist. Church visitation 9:00 am – 11:00 am only. Entombment Restlawn Memorial Park, Avondale, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Augustine High School Golf Team in memory of Rev. Dr. John T. White. Professional Services Entrusted to: Littlejohn Funeral Home, 2163 Aubry Street, Cal K. Johnson, Funeral Director / Manager. Info: 504-940-0045.