Thelma 'Orchid Lady' White

Thelma “Orchid Lady” White, 99, of Bradenton, passed away October 29, 2017.

She was born on December 15, 1917 in Brookline, VT to the late John Kenneth and Maude Angie Perry.  Thelma moved to Bradenton in 1950 coming from Massachusetts.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bradenton, a founding member o the Manatee Orchid Society, and worked in the orchid business for over 40 years where she earned her other name of Orchid Lady.

Thelma was predeceased by her beloved husband William F. White in 1973, she is survived by her two sons; Rev. Dennis White of Archer, FL, William F. White of Lakeland, FL, two daughters; Pearl McCraw of Parrish, Patricia Holmes of Spring Hill, FL, two sisters; June Rosenthal of South Deerfield, MA, Sylvia Moore of Hadley, MA, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

A Celebration of Thelma’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 603 11th Street West, Bradenton, FL. 34205. Private inurnment will take place at Skyway Memorial Gardens, Palmetto.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church Ministers Discretionary Fund or Tidewell Hospice in her memory.