Bernice Sheila White

Bernice Sheila White, (Col. Retired) of upper Marlboro, MD, passed away peacefully at the Walter Reed Medical Center on February 14, 2024 at the age of 62.  Sheila was born in Milford, DE to the late, Brooks Sample and Phyllis White.

A Delaware native, Sheila grew up in Harrington, DE.  She graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1981 where she played field hockey, ran track, and was a member of the band.

Sheila joined the ROTC in high school, after graduating from Delaware State College in 1985, (now Delaware State University), she joined the Army National Guard full time.  Sheila later went on to complete her Master's Degree in Communications from the Webster University in 2012.

Sheila celebrated 35 years of exemplary military service.  She earned a number of awards and honors throughout her career.  She retired as a colonel.

Sheila was a member of the Bethel Christian Fellowship Church under Pastors, Ronald and Christine Miles before becoming ill.  Sheila loved the Lord with all her heart, she loved family, close friends, giving back to others, and serving her country.  She also loved shopping, visiting the beach and traveling.  She was like an angel and everybody loved Sheila and treated her like a Queen because after all, she grew up being the only child.  Two driving forces in Sheila's life were her family and her Faith in God.

In 2013, Sheila was inducted into Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., chapter name: Lambda Delta Sigma Alumnae - Chapter Annapolis, MD.  She loved the sisterhood and fellowship of her sorority.  She was also a member of a retirement group called Women's Veteran Association.  She enjoyed spending time with members, going to lunches, and participating in other activities.

Sheila became a Mary Kay director until her illness prevented her from performing her duties.  She recieved many awards under Mary Kay.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four aunts, Teresa Bowers of Dover, DE, Aurelia L. Weal of New Jersey, Frances Daniels and Beatrice Harris (Phillip) of Harrington; two uncles, James H. White (Terri) and Nathan Bryant (Leola) of Seaford; a host of extended family, friends, and an abundance of cousins.  Two very special people in Sheila's life were her cousin, Sandra Buckner and a friend, Homer Williams.

Thanks for the support of her caring family and friends who helped Sheila during her illness.  She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Service for Sheila will be on Monday, February 26, at the Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE, at 12 PM.  A public visitation will take place two hours prior, starting at 10 AM.  Interment will follow immediately after at the Milford Community Cemetery, Milford.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.