Grace Olivia White, age 22, of Gray, closed her eyes to this world for the final time and then opened them again in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Born on August 6, 2003, in Johnson City, Tennessee, Grace was the vibrant, beloved youngest child of Norman and Amy White. From the very beginning, Grace was born ready to dance, and her life became a beautiful expression of movement, energy, and joy, which she shared generously through her passions for gymnastics, high school cheerleading, tumbling, and competitive dance and cheer. Grace also held a profound love for her beloved dog, Roxy, who brought constant companionship and immense joy to her life.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Grace was baptized by her grandfather, Dr. Norman White, Sr., at Embreeville Church of Christ and claimed the gift of salvation at the young age of ten when she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She lived out that faith actively as a cherished member of Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church, and participated throughout her high school years in the Daniel Boone High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Truth Bible Club. Grace brought light, kindness, and an unstoppable joy to everyone who knew her. Her long-held faith turned into actual sight on Sunday as she stepped across the threshold of time into eternity. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now home, safely at peace, and dancing with eternal joy.
Grace’s bright spirit was matched by her remarkable intelligence. She was an accomplished member of the Beta Club and earned a prestigious place in the National Honor Society during high school. Her academic excellence continued throughout college, where she consistently secured her place on the Dean’s List.
Her profound heart for service to others shone brightly from a very young age. She possessed a deep desire to help people, aspiring specifically to care for children as a pediatric nurse. She spent years volunteering at local hospitals before channeling that same passion into her studies, beautifully completing three impactful years of Nursing School.
Her loving spirit lives on through her parents, Norman and Amy White; her brother, Noah White; her longtime boyfriend, Jake Cadogan; and her extended family, friends, and church members who loved her very dearly.
Service Information:
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church in Gray.
Celebration of Life: A Celebration of Life service will follow at 7:00 PM with the church ministry officiating.
Graveside Service: Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Fairview Cemetery.
Funeral Procession: Those wishing to join the funeral procession are asked to meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home (418 W College Street, Jonesborough, TN) by 10:15 AM.
Flowers are welcome, or a memorial donation can be made to the Appalachian Humane Society in Johnson City, Tennessee.
