Barbara Ann Williams White

Shreveport, La. – Barbara Ann Williams White, 87, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Garden Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born Feb. 26, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Charles Franklin “Buck” Williams and Frances Black Williams.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Joe White; her daughter, Dr. Barzanna A. White-Brown, and her husband, Randy Brown; along with a host of extended family members and special friends.

She graduated from East High School in Knoxville and earned her degree in home economics from the University of Tennessee. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Centenary College of Louisiana.

Barbara began her teaching career in Tennessee, where she taught elementary school in Knox County and Putnam County schools. After moving to Louisiana for her husband to pursue a Ph.D. in horticulture at LSU, she continued teaching in East Baton Rouge Parish.

When the family relocated to Shreveport following Joe’s appointment as the Extension Horticulturalist for the LSU AgCenter, Barbara taught for many years in the Caddo Parish School System.

During her more than 30-year career in the classroom, Barbara taught every elementary grade except fifth. She was passionate about prevention education and served as the Drug Prevention Coordinator for Caddo Parish Schools for the final 12 years of her career. She retired in 2001, completing a career that spanned over 40 years in education.

Barbara was deeply devoted to her family—especially to her husband and daughter—and she was equally committed to her students. She was known for ensuring her students not only mastered the curriculum but also learned to conduct themselves as respectful young ladies and gentlemen.

Though she was serious about her responsibilities, Barbara also embraced life and loved staying active. She enthusiastically supported her daughter’s many activities, including twirling and band. Later on, she also helped manage her daughter’s twirling groups and assisted her daughter with events such as the Louisiana State Fair Baton, Dance Line and Cheer Competition. Always ready to go, Barbara kept her suitcase packed and never missed a chance to travel with her husband and daughter.

A proud Tennessee native, Barbara remained loyal to all things Tennessee—especially University of Tennessee football. As a young girl, she often attended games with her father and continued that tradition later in life with both her father and husband.

Barbara was a member of several educational and professional organizations, including Kappa Delta Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Alpha Delta Kappa. She was also a longtime member of the Krewe of Gemini, where she served as a float lieutenant for 15 years.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Aulds Funeral Home, 7849 E. Kings Highway in Shreveport, with Dr. Carl E. Rhoads III officiating. Visitation with the family will take place at the funeral home from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers for those wishing to honor Barbara’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to the American Rose Center in Shreveport or to any nonprofit organization of the donor’s choice.