Eloise Marie White

WESLACO - Eloise Marie White went to be with the Lord on January 17, 2019. She was born September 13, 1916 to Dr. A.J. Hays and wife Ruth Evans Hays in Frederick, Oklahoma. Marie moved with her family to Weslaco, Texas at the age of 10, and graduated from Weslaco High School in 1933. She later attended Mary Hardin Baylor College. Marie was married in 1942 to Frank L. White, who was the J.C. Penney manager in Weslaco, and after his death, was married to Ronald Wayne Peck, Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Harlingen. She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin sister Mildred, brothers Lester, Jack, Charles, and John Hays, and husbands Frank White and Wayne Peck. Marie is survived by her three children, Frank (JoJo) White (Sue) of Mercedes, Texas, Sharon Raye (Walter) of Harlingen, and Ruthie Person (James) of McAllen, grandchildren Michael Raye (Sarah), Wesley Raye (Jackie), Tamara McDannel (Jeremy), James Person III (Cortney) and Melissa Hamlin (Taylor); stepchildren Alaina Arnold (Todd), John Lievens (Brooke), and Justin Lievens (Samantha); and great-grandchildren Owen Raye, Sadie and Simone Raye, Adair and Augustus McDannel, Emerson and Tatum Hamlin and soon to arrive Landon Person. Marie was especially close to her three nephews John, Jim, and Jeff Hays. Marie always felt she had a wonderful and blessed life. In addition to enjoying her loving family, Marie was an avid church-goer, being a member (and Sunday School teacher) at The First Baptist Church of Weslaco, then later, The First United Methodist Church in Harlingen. She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and member of The Fine Arts Club and P.E.O. Chapter BW in Weslaco. While in Harlingen, she was a member of UMW at the Methodist Church and a HOST volunteer Marie loved almost every minute of her 102-year life. She especially loved to go with her family to South Padre Island in the summer (where they owned a home for many years). She would be the one out there "jumping the waves" and then cooking her spaghetti at night. Marie was a dedicated exercise enthusiast, many times being the oldest in the class but also being one of the best in the class. After working many years for the Weslaco School District, she then would substitute teach during her "retirement". Marie will be dearly missed by her family and many friends. The family would like to thank all of the staff at John Knox Village for the love, dedication, and support they gave to our mom ("MIMI"). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Harlingen or the charity of your choice.