Alice Rae Oge White, the matriarch of a large and devoted family, departed this life on August 7, 2024. She was 99 years young and lived a long and beautiful life. She radiated the “joie de vivre” spirit of her French Cajun ancestors and her zeal, energy and exuberance for life never faltered through the years.

Born on March 5, 1925, in Lafayette Louisiana, to Archibald Oge and Emile’ Webb, Alice was raised in a bustling household with five sisters, Juanita, Archie Mae, Gene, Beverly and Kathleen. She graduated from the University of Southern Louisiana where she met a returning World War II soldier registering for engineering classes. The attraction was instantaneous, and she and Robert Charles White married on August 17, 1947. It was a union that would last for 57 years until his death in 2004. The newlyweds ultimately settled in the Houston area as Bob pursued his career as an electrical engineer with construction and energy companies. Alice left her job as a teacher as the couple welcomed a brood of six children, three daughters and three sons.

In those early years, Alice was a homemaker but that did not mean she had to stay at home. She was a founding member of the Pasadena Little Theatre and served on numerous church councils and community social organizations. When her youngest daughter entered kindergarten, Alice returned to the classroom and began an illustrious 25-year career as a first-grade teacher in parochial and public schools. Her nurturing and enthusiastic nature made her a favorite of students, parents, and faculty alike. Alice was named Teacher of the Year at Whitcomb Elementary in the Clear Creek Independent School District. She was co-founder and the first president of the Clear Creek Association of Retired Teachers. Alice served as a mentor to several generations of teachers and many became life-long friends. The bonds were so strong among one group of co-workers that they gathered annually for happy hour for 40 years. Alice was also active in Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators, Texas Classroom Teachers Association and Texas State Teachers Organization. A devout Catholic, she served on the Archdiocese of Houston/Galveston Senior Senate, the Joy Group of St. Clare of Assisi and was a long-time member of the church choir.

Upon her retirement, Alice traveled extensively and was an avid theatre patron and reader. She remained curious with a love for learning and the arts her entire life. Her greatest joy was the time spent at Galveston beach with loved ones. She was always ready for a party and enjoyed hosting her large family for special gatherings featuring her Cajun-style feasts.

For Alice, life was about faith and family. Her motto was “treat your children like company and they will always come home.” She also believed and said often that everyone is special. She credited her long life to the loving care and fellowship of her children. She played a pivotal role in the lives of all sixteen grandchildren and witnessed the birth of twenty-four great-grandchildren. Each grandchild carries lasting memories of Grandma Alice for her warmth, affection and understanding. She leaves behind a family saddened by her loss but enriched by her life of purpose, compassion, and resilience.

Alice was predeceased by her parents and sisters, her husband and one grandson and son-in-law. She is survived by her children: Cheryl and husband Richard Johnigan; Bob White, Jr., and wife Sharon; Vicki and husband Ron Hudson; Tom White and wife Janice; Tim White and Emily Warner. She leaves the legacy of forty grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s name may be made to the St. Clare of Assisi, Christians in Action Fund, 3131 El Dorado Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77059 or to The Clear Creek Retired Teaches Project Read Fund, 5002 East NASA Parkway, Seabrook, Texas 77586.

A Rosary will be held at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, at St. Clare of Assisi, 3131 El Dorado Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77059. Private interment services will be held later at Saint Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Grand Coteau, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana.