It is with heavy hearts that we announce Alberta Elizabeth “ Bootise “ White closed her eyes for the last time, born on December 8, 1933, in Newport News, VA. She graced this world with her presence and left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. She peacefully departed from this life on August 5, 2023, in Monroe, NC surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

A woman of remarkable strength and character, she embarked on a journey through life that was marked by love, and laughter. After dedicating her years to raising her three loving children, Saphronia Austin( Matthews, NC ), Alexis Austin-Smith ( Charlotte, NC ), and Kym Austin ( Atlanta, GA). She had a fulfilling career as a phlebotomist at Sentara Medical Center in Hampton, VA, until her retirement in 1993.

The call for new horizons led her to the vibrant city of Charlotte, NC in 1996, where she continued to radiate her warmth and compassion. She felt bored and unfulfilled with retirement. She began her second career with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at Vance High School in the cafeteria, which was a testament to her commitment to her devotion to being a positive inspiration for future generations. She was frequently stopped around the city by students and called “ Grandma “ and given a hug.

Never one to be confined by the ordinary, she later found herself in Cary, NC in 2012, embracing the change and opportunities that life brought her way. In Cary, she met new friends in her senior community, where her friends would listen to R&B, Reggae, and Beach music. Yet, the allure of familiar surroundings and cherished memories led her back to her beloved Charlotte in 2015, where she rekindled old friendships and fostered new connections in her new community. She attended potluck dinners with her favorite “Chantilly” cake from Publix and became a member of the women’s book club.

She spread joy through her infectious laughter, her warm embraces, and her ability to find the silver lining in any situation. She leaves behind a legacy that speaks of the beauty of human connection and the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends, but her memory will continue to inspire and uplift us.