Carol White

Carol Traylor White, age 82, passed away at her home in Tampa, FL on May 24, 2025, with a son and daughter by her side. Born on January 9, 1943, in Hanceville, AL, Carol was the daughter of Cecil and Clara Traylor.

At a young age, Carol moved with her family to Winter Haven, FL where she resided until 1979 when she married Newton Francis “Zeke” White. She moved to Tampa and lived there for the remainder of her years with her husband, children and numerous pets. She had a long career with GTE / Verizon and retired in 2003 as a Business Analyst testing program changes to Verizon’s billing system. She cared deeply for her family and friends and was known for her generosity. She was always the first to offer help, not out of obligation – but because of who she was. Carol will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and her brothers, Alton, Bernard “Bernie” and David Traylor. Carol leaves behind her three children, Rubonia “Bonnie” Gannon, William Randall Birchfield, and David Grant Birchfield; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her three stepsons, Kenneth, Robert and Christopher White who gave her 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 12:00-2:00pm at Forman Event Center Hillel Academy, located at 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa FL 33612. We will meet at that time for anyone wishing to share a memory or a story about how Carol touched their life. Lunch will be served at the event center as we gather to celebrate her beautiful life and share our favorite stories. Carol would have wanted her guests to be comfortable, so feel free to wear relaxed and casual clothing.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her honor to causes close to her heart. A passionate animal lover, she supported Harmony Vet Care of Carrollwood, where donations can be made at https://harmonyvetcare.org/donate/.

She also deeply valued the service and sacrifice of our military, and we invite contributions to the Wounded Warrior Abilities Ranch at https://woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org/.

Your support of these organizations is a meaningful way to honor her legacy of love, compassion, and service.