When Mary Lou White turned 106 on March 12, she celebrated another year and a century of experiences that span generations and historic milestones.

Born in Webb City, Missouri, in 1919, White has lived through some of the most transformative events in American history. She grew up in Joplin, Missouri, where her mother was a schoolteacher. After high school, she attended what is now Middle Tennessee State University before transferring to Western Kentucky University, where she roomed with her younger sister, Betty. The two remained close throughout their lives.

White dedicated more than 30 years to teaching, beginning with high school English and French in Georgia. Over the years, she also taught as a band director and later as a kindergarten teacher in Dayton, Ohio, where she and her late husband, John White, settled. John, who worked for Coca-Cola, and Mary Lou raised three children while living in multiple states, including Tennessee, West Virginia, and Maryland.

Her adventurous spirit was evident early on. As a young woman, she traveled the country with her mother and sister while her mother sold encyclopedias, an unusual experience during the 1930s. She had musical talent as well and played the piano alongside her sister who played the violin during that time.  In her 90s, she took up the dulcimer and performed with a group called The Strummers in Dayton. She also founded and managed a library at a local senior center.

Since moving to Danville’s McDowell Place in 2018, White has remained active, participating in daily exercise classes, bingo, sing-alongs, and brain aerobics. Known for her humor and warmth, she is described by family and friends as “the life of the party.”

One of White’s most striking life experiences is that she was born before women had the right to vote. She has seen the world change in ways few others have, offering her own advice to younger generations. Recently, she told her niece, “If anyone asks you a question, don’t ever let them know you don’t know the answer—just say what you think.”

White’s 106th birthday was celebrated by family and friends, marking yet another milestone in a life full of adventure, service, and joy.