Costella White

Mrs. Costella Benton White (92) was born May 12, 1930, to the late Walter Benton, Sr., and Lena Henderson Benton in Strong, Arkansas.

Costella departed her earthly life on February 13, 2023. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age while attending Pleasant Grove Church of God in Strong, Arkansas, where she served faithfully until her health declined. As a fruitful servant within her church family, she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, and choir member. Costella received her education from Gardener High School in Strong, Arkansas. She was employed at Southern Folders in El Dorado, Arkansas, for 20 years until retiring to care for her daughter, Pauline.

Costella enjoyed sewing, fishing, cooking, doing word search puzzles, reading the bible, growing beautiful flowers, and singing. One of her favorite songs to sing is entitled "He Works That Way."

She oftentimes blessed numerous souls who requested her to sing this song. Costella loved her family and creating precious memories with her grandchildren. She was known as a cheerful giver. Giving was a part of her ministry.

Costella was preceded in death by her husband, Augusta White; three children, Andrew L. White, Sr. Jasper J. White, and Pauline White Whitefield; her parents, Walter Benton, Sr., and Lena Henderson Benton; her paternal and maternal grandparents; two brothers, Walter Benton, Jr., and Otis Benton; and two sisters, Ella Mae Christian and Bernice Mays.

Costella is survived by four daughters, Pearl Welch (James); Rose White-Bailey (Walter), Gloria Robinson (Bill), all of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Dorothy White Steward of Sherman, Texas; two sons, James E. White, Sr. (Trena) and Alvin L. White of El Dorado, Arkansas; five sisters, Ruth Davis of Detroit, Michigan, Cassie Benton of Chicago, Illinois, Erma Banks and Jean Bernard (Jeff) of Houston Texas, and Mae Lee Hartley of Shreveport, Louisiana; eighteen grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her tremendously.