Mary L. (Swain) Medley-White

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

A  Time to be Born:

Sister Mary Lois Medley-White was born, June 18, 1939, in Pavo, Georgia to the late Arthur and Marie Swain. Sister Medley-White was naturally smart, confident, and had a witty sense of humor, which propelled her to achieve high levels of success throughout life. She was valedictorian in her high school graduation class, as well as achieved high honors (summa cum laude) throughout her post-secondary educational training. While pursuing her post-secondary education, she joined the sisterhood of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, which strengthened her desire to support public service. Sister Medley-White had a sweet and caring disposition that will always be remembered.

A Time to Love:

In 1960, Sister Mary Lois Medley-White met and married Richard Medley Sr. and through this union three beautiful children were born: Renae, Richard Jr., and Robin. Later in life, on June 29, 1991, she wed Frank White. Sister Medley-White loved her family and she also loved people as Jesus commanded in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

A Time to Sow:

As a resident of Dutchess County, Sister Mary Lois Medley-White was a devoted wife and mother. She was a hard worker and very career oriented. Starting in a position as a Secretary, Sister Medley-White worked her way up to a Senior Computer Programmer at International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation. After 25+ years at IBM (retired), she went on to coordinate and manage a grant funded program for four and a half years at American Cancer Society. Sister Medley-White also pursued a career in education. She earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pre-K-6 / English from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1997 and a Master of Science (MS) in Information Technology / Education from Western Connecticut State University in 2001. Sister Medley-White taught and retired from the Newburgh School District, as well as served as an Adjunct Professor from 2015 to 2020 at Dutchess Community College.

A Time to Speak:

At an early age, Sister Mary Lois Medley-White accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She started her Christian journey at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pavo, Georgia. Upon relocating to Beacon, New York, she continued her walk with Christ at Beulah Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls, New York. Being led by the Holy Spirit, Sister Medley-White later joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Wappingers Falls, New York, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Trustee Board, Church Secretary and sang in the Gospel Choir. Sister Medley-White loved the Lord and ensured that all her children and grandchildren knew and loved Him as well. She made certain that they all had a firm spiritual foundation and that they were fully aware of the love of Jesus Christ. Sister Medley-White practiced the teachings of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from lt.”

A Time to Weep:

Preceding Sister Mary Lois Medley-White in death are: her husband, Frank White, one sister, Hattie Mae, and three brothers, Arthur Jr., Lewis, and Willie James Swain.

A Time to Transition:

Shortly after relocating to Bel Air, Maryland, Sister Mary Lois Medley-White was called home to eternal rest on Monday, September 4, 2023

A Time to Mourn:

Sister Mary Lois Medley-White leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories, two daughters, Renae Medley Powell of Orlando, Florida; and Robin Medley of Bel Air, Maryland; one son, Richard Medley Jr. (Lauren) of Bel Air, Maryland; four grandchildren: Jenae and Jordan Powell, Jillian and Adriana Medley; four sisters, Elaine Cage and Mary E. Morrow (Edward, Sr.) all of Atlanta, GA; Ann Wright (Larry, Sr.) of Knoxville, TN and Catherine Swain of Thomasville, GA; one brother, Freddie Swain, Sr. (Phecifinese) of Albany, GA.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her