SUNRISE
Tereather "Tee" Boykins White was born to Inez and Roosevelt Boykins in Marianna, FL on May 27, 1933. She received her early education in Archer and Marianna, FL. At age 17, the high achiever graduated as Salutatorian from Jackson County Training School and left for college in Tallahassee, FL.

HERstory
Tee had no time for leisure or pleasure while in college. She had to manage a complex course load (as a full-time student) and a demanding, mandatory, full-time nursing work schedule (in the campus hospital) as well as other medical institutions in Florida and Alabama. She worked/trained in: Surgery (Tallahassee, FL), Tuberculosis (Tallahassee, FL), Pediatrics and Obstetrics (Jacksonville, FL); Public Health (Pensacola, FL), Psychology (Veterans Hospital in Tuskegee, AL). Driven with determination, in 1954 she achieved her personal goal of obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and became a part of the university's history -- a member of the first nursing class to graduate from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. (When she enrolled, its name was Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College.)

Upon graduation from FAMU, she received a job offer in Lakeland, FL. Tee arrived in the unfamiliar city on a train and much to her dismay, she discovered that the friend (fellow dormitory college classmate) with whom she was supposed to live, worked out of town (and was not at home). As a result, she had to move in with a complete stranger. The stranger ultimately became her guardian angel, providing her with a home until she was able to "get on her feet". On September 1, 1954, the first black nurse with a Bachelor's degree, Tee began working at Morrell Memorial Hospital (in the Barracks, where all Black employees were required to work and were only allowed to care for Black patients).

Throughout her nearly six decade nursing career, Tee worked in various departments (i.e., Emergency Room, General and Ambulatory Surgery, Orthopedic, Acute Care Ambulatory/Respiratory Services) and capacities (i.e., Staff Nurse, Patient Care Coordinator, Assistant Head Nurse, Head Nurse, Charge Nurse, Team Leader and Shift Supervisor). She served two terms as the Treasurer of the Emergency Nurses Association.

Tee's genuine passion for the nursing profession inspired her to persevere through adverse/challenging circumstances and witness/experience notable events (i.e., integration, hospital, departmental, medical and technological changes/advances – the Emergency Room becoming a Level II Trauma Center, the institution of FastTrac, Addictions Recovery Center and LRMC Cancer Center). Tee's remarkable accomplishments include: Worked in Emergency Room for 20 years and her staff was the first to wear pants. Witnessed the hospital's first colonoscopy. First employee to receive her own parking spot at the hospital when she achieved her 50-year milestone. Received the Finest Graduate from the School of Nursing Award (from the Polk County Alumni Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association). Received the Excellence In Nursing and Employee of the Month for Unit Awards (from LRMC). Featured on/in: local news (Channel 8 and Fox Channel 13); local newspapers (Lakeland Ledger, Tampa Tribune, and Florida Sentinel), "Advance for Nurses" magazine, "Our Lakeland, The Other End of Florida Avenue" book (by Yvonne M. McShay) and numerous LRMC's newsletters. Received a letter of commendation on her retirement from a former FAMU President (Dr. James H. Ammons). Featured in Lakeland's Public Library archives. Only employee who has completed 57 years of service at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. After 57 years, one month and two days, Tee retired on October 3, 2011.

Tee was an active member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church (in Lakeland, FL), where she served in the Health Ministry, as the Sunday School Secretary and was a member of the Women's Home Mission and the Golden Girls. In addition, she was an active member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority (Gamma Phi Zeta chapter) and the Polk County Alumni Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association, Inc. (Life Member).
Tee had Style: Although she wore the original/traditional nurse's attire (i.e., all white uniform and nurse's shoes) for her entire career, Tee was a Queen of Coordination (i.e., her clothing, shoes, accessories and purses complemented each other well) – a beautiful sight for the public eye to see. She enjoyed reading, traveling, playing Solitaire, spending time with family and friends, eating pork skins, drinking Coca Colas and listening to Kenny G. Face of Love / One-Woman Support System.

Tee was everyone's free Medical Advisor/"Ask A Nurse" – she understood all of the medical jargon and would readily provide an explanation in layman's terms. She stopped by to visit her close and dear friends/family every Sunday after church; She gladly drove elderly church members to their doctor's appointments and lunch afterwards; She routinely visited and called sick family/friends/those in need (at home and in the hospital).

Epitome of Fortitude / Strength Personified
At an early age, Tee contracted malaria and developed an enlarged heart. Her physical activities were restricted and she was given the unfortunate prognosis that she would not live to be a teenager. However, Strong-Willed Tee repeatedly defied all odds. In addition to malaria, she survived: breast cancer, extensive back surgery, pacemaker surgery, ruptured intestine, intestine obstruction, 75% blocked carotid artery, and a devastating house fire. Tee, a true champion, was blessed to celebrate her 90th Birthday last May.

SUNSET
On January 11, 2024, while surrounded by family and holding the hands of the joys of her life (Anthony and Katrena), Tee gained her crown for a Job Well Done and entered eternal rest. Tee is preceded in death by parents: Inez and Roosevelt Boykins; mother-in-law Blanchie White; father-in-law Charlie White; husband: George White, Sr.; bonus son George White Jr.; sister Helen Peterson; brother Eugene Peterson, Sr.; sister-in laws: Lillie Boyd, Gussie White, Geneva White; brother-in-laws Eddie White, Sr. and Percy White.

Tee is survived by: children: Anthony (Patricia) White of Lakeland, FL; Katrena White of Orlando, FL; bonus children: Leatrice (Tyranny) Hunter of Waldorf, MD; Mary Thompson of Houston, TX; Emanuel (Marcia) White, Sr.; Felicia (Willie) Baker of Lakeland, FL; William (Janice) Burnette of Warner Robins, GA; sisters Genetta Green of Marianna, FL, Betty Porter of Lakeland, FL; sister-in-law Annie White of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren: Tanesha McFadden, Ayecia Bryant and Jeremiah Artis all of Lakeland, FL; bonus grandchildren: Tamara Hunter of Waldorf, MD, Tremayne Hunter of Boynton Beach, FL; Melvin White, Sr., Emanuel White, Jr. Monte Stephens, John Wright, Felicia Baker, Santina Baker all of Lakeland, FL; William and Wynton Burnette of Atlanta, GA and great grandchildren: Armani , Alexandria and Aerin McFadden all of Lakeland, FL; 26 bonus great grandchildren; goddaughter Aarica Ardis; godsons: Eugene Peterson, Jr. and Donas Nesbitt; a host of special family and friends who all love and miss her dearly.

Mother White of Lakeland transitioned January 11, 2024. A visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church - 1645 N. Webster Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33805. The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 - 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church - 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33812. Interment will follow the Celebration of Life at Serenity Gardens - 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33810.