Ann Threadgill White
Professional speaker, humorist and consultant

COWPENS - Dr. Rebecca Ann Threadgill White, 63, of 144 Martin Lane, died on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at her home surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with cancer.

Born on Feb. 28, 1943, in Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Carol E. "Wink" and Idell Parker Threadgill. A graduate of Cowpens High School, she received an associate's degree in liberal arts from Spartanburg Junior (Methodist) College; a bachelor's degree in social studies from Limestone College in Gaffney; a master's degree in secondary school counseling from the University of South Carolina; and a doctorate of education in school administration from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

An educator for 29 years, she served as a classroom teacher, library media specialist, public information director, and adjunct college professor. She retired in 1995 from Spartanburg County School District 3 after advancing to Assistant Superintendent. That same year, she began a second career as a professional speaker, humorist and consultant through her business, Laugh and Learn With Ann White. She authored the book, Twelve Commandments for People Who Work With People, which has sold tens of thousands of copies, and presented this and other related topics to a wide range of audiences in 35 states, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. Her poster of the Twelve Commandments adorns the walls of hospitals, classrooms, offices and boardrooms across the country.

Dr. White was accepted into membership of the National Speakers Association and the Carolinas Speakers Association. She served as president of the South Carolina Association of Allied School Administrators and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians.

Her many honors and awards included receiving the Limestone College Alumni Association Service to Community Award, being named Communicator of Achievement by the South Carolina affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, and receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. Under her leadership, School District 3 received national recognition for its library media programs. She was honored by the Spartanburg County Association of Media Specialists through the establishment of the Ann T. White Award, given annually to a library media specialist for outstanding service to his or her school. She served on the board of the Shepherd's Center of Spartanburg, was a member of the Cowpens Mighty Moo Red Hatters, and was a member of Cowpens First Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, former Cowpens Mayor William Edward White; a daughter, Lori Ann White Gleason and her husband, David John Gleason, of Goose Creek; a son, William "Bill" Edward White II and his wife, Susan Kay Branham White, of Germantown, Tenn.; a son, Joel Threadgill White and his wife, Lisa Marie Townsend White, of Irmo; and five grandchildren, Canaan Elizabeth Byrd, Margaret "Maggie" Idell White, William "Liam" Edward White III of Germantown and Rebecca Lori Gleason and Daniel John Gleason of Goose Creek.

Surviving siblings include Patricia McBee, Mary Lou Bishop, Dorcas "Dot" Story and Wayne "Pete" Threadgill. She was predeceased by a sister, Carolyn Oglesby.

A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cowpens. Visitation with the family will be held in the church fellowship hall following the service. Entombment will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Greenville Memorial Gardens Heritage Chapel Mausoleum.

Dr. White's nieces and nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Former and current library media specialists of Spartanburg County School District 3 will serve as honorary escort.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Cherokee Children's Home, P.O. Box 1896, Gaffney, S.C. 29342; or Spartanburg Children's Shelter, P.O. Box 2663, Spartanburg, S.C. 29304.

The family is at the home of Jack and Dot Story, 104 Love Springs Road, Cowpens.

Online condolences may be shared at www.annwhite.com

Arrangements by Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel.