Bobbie Nell Herring White

Bobbie Nell (Herring) White of Kalem, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. She was born in Morton, MS on January 31, 1943, to Lucille and Frank Herring. Bobbie was the baby of her family with Katie Maude Herring Harvey and Francis “Frank” Marion Herring as her siblings.

Bobbie attended Morton High School before studying accounting at Mississippi College. After college, she worked in the business office at the Doctor’s Hospital. She then became the office manager for Dr. Azordegan’s private practice. In September 1969, she was hired by Theodore Costas Sr. to be a bookkeeper for his small but growing business. She remained a loyal employee at Southern Beverage Company for nearly 50 years, retiring as the Vice President in 2018. She was so proud of her time there and made a lasting impact on many of her coworkers.

Somehow Bobbie was able to balance being quiet, warm, and inviting while also being strong, confident, and independent. Bobbie succeeded in fulfilling four roles in her life. She was a Christian, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a believer who loved Jesus and her Methodist church with such devotion. She lived out her faith by serving her church and community in any way she could. Over the years she hosted countless bridal and baby showers, always making sure the décor was perfect. She had a collection of more flower arrangements than a florist, and she cherished them all. She was also incredibly generous but always wanted to stay anonymous. It was important to her that she did not receive any praise for her good deeds.

As a wife, she was wholeheartedly committed. On June 25, 1961, she married James Elbert White, and they had two children, Tammy and Chad. After nearly 64 years of a beautiful marriage, James passed away, leaving Bobbie heartbroken. He was her whole world. Their last few years consisted of her caring for him tirelessly, never leaving his side. She adored him and talked about him every remaining day of her life. They were blessed to share a wonderful life together.

She was also the best mother to Tammy and Chad. She led them with love and patience, always showing grace and giving Godly guidance. Pointing her children to Christ was a priority and her words and actions always did just that. She loved them both and they were blessings to her.

Three grandchildren and two great grandchildren were blessed to have Bobbie as their Grandma and Mimi. Hunter is her oldest and only grandson, and she was so proud of him. She loved to tell stories about him as a little boy and all his shenanigans. She would talk about how she would have to check all his pockets for critters that he was “saving” before doing laundry. One year when he was a child he asked for a bulldozer for Christmas and every single year after he’d have a little toy bulldozer wrapped under the tree from Grandma. Everyone always got a big laugh. Thankfully, she got to meet both of her great grandchildren, Ali Rivers and Dustin, and was so happy to see Hunter as a father. Avery and Ella were her grand girls. She treated them like little princesses. She had them dressed perfectly, with nails painted, pearls on, and hair curled. They knew going to Mimi’s meant having a spa day and going shopping. She will always be remembered for her love of thrift shopping! It would be wrong to not mention her ability to cook. She was a master at comfort food, and nothing could beat her banana pudding and fried okra.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lucille; her brother, Frank; her sister, Katie Maude; and her husband, James. She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Renfroe (David Townsend); her son, Chad White (Denise); grandson, Hunter Renfroe (Courtney); granddaughters, Avery and Ella; great grandchildren, Ali Rivers and Dustin Renfroe. Bobbie leaves a big void that will never be filled, but she also leaves a legacy of love that will be cherished forever.

Memorials may be made in her name and memory to Kalem Community Church that was very dear to her heart.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Kalem Community Church. The church service will be held at Kalem Community Church beginning at 1:00 pm with Rev. Creighton White officiating and graveside will follow in the Kalem Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mike Holmes, Bob Tingle, Max Harvey, Terry Harvey, David Herring and Mike Bishop.