Obituary for Sheldon R. “Shel” White Shel White, of Pleasant Hill, much loved husband, dad, “poppi,” pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 9th following a lengthy illness. He was at home, surrounded by family, and by prayers from around the world. The family is deeply thankful for the wonderful care he received from many incredible doctors, nurses, aides, home health teams, his devoted wife, Beverly, and finally, an amazing Hospice team.
Thank you to all who were a part of this journey. He is now no longer suffering, and, most probably, instigating more parties in heaven! Shel was born in Tucson, Arizona, and spent his growing up years in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
In 1967, while attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, and working with teens in a local church, he and Beverly met. They were married in 1969, and produced two incredible children, Corrie and Harlan. Shel is survived by Beverly, by Corrie and Adam Billiet, and their children, Jordan and Benjamin, and by Harlan White and Tammy Sanders and Harlan’s children, Lia and Andy.
Shel graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington, then worked as an interim youth director in Boulder, Colorado. Following that, he and Beverly moved to the east coast and settled in Princeton, New Jersey so that he could attend Princeton Seminary for three years. He was ordained in 1975 and began his ministry in southern California where he served at 2 churches for a total of 15 years.
During that time, he also received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Seminary. In 1990 he was called to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Hill where he pastored until his retirement in 2012. During this time, Shel was also very active in the local community, primarily through Pleasant Hill Rotary Club.
In 2003 he began working with the Pleasant Hill Police Department and the Sheriff’s office as a volunteer Chaplain. Shel had a passion for life, and a heart full of love for anyone he met. His smile was infectious, and we never knew what new idea he was going to come up with next!
He had a knack for lighting up every room he walked into. He loved working and being with people of all ages. His Children’s Sermons and the crazy things he would do during worship are legend.
One of his parishioners has noted that “Most people can’t describe their pastor as crazy, thoughtful, zany, kind, and amazing all in the same sentence”. He loved worship and loved the Lord. He cared for, loved, and mentored many people over the years.
And he loved his family dearly. We will all miss his jokes, his compassion, his crazy hats, and his ability to make people feel very loved and special. A Celebration of Life will be held on 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 11th at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill, Ca.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you please contribute to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Heifer International (www,heiferinternational.com) or LN-4.org, which gives hope by giving hands to people around the world. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sheldon R. “Shel” White please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Memorial 2018 AUG 11.
11:00 AM Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 1601 Mary Dr Pleasant Hill, CA, US, 94523 Order Flowers for the Memorial Service Guaranteed delivery before Sheldon R.’s Memorial Service begins.
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