Frieda Jean (Parsons) White

Frieda Jean Parsons White, devoted educator, journalist, woman of faith, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Athens, Georgia to Roy and Norma Parsons, Frieda was raised with a deep appreciation for education, achievement, and service to others.

Frieda graduated from the University of Georgia with both a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. During her years at UGA, she was active in numerous academic, honorary, and social organizations. Following graduation, she worked as a copywriter and promotion manager for WGAU Radio in Athens and later served as an instructor in distributive education at Gainesville Junior College. Her professional accomplishments and leadership earned her many honors. Through her work at WGAU, the station received a Georgia Associated Press Broadcasters Association Award in 1963 for outstanding news operation.

Frieda was as beautiful as she was intelligent. After college, alongside her beloved sister, Marty, Frieda enjoyed participating in pageants and community events. The sisters were both finalists in the Georgia Preliminary to the Miss Universe Contest and were featured together on the front page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Frieda and Marty tied for the title of Miss Congeniality in the 1964 Miss Southland Contest. A true social butterfly, Frieda was a semifinalist in the Miss Athens pageant and won the crowns of Miss Stay and See Athens, Miss Georgia Peach, and Miss Salute to America, earning a trip to New York City sponsored by TV Guide. She loved NYC. Her glamorous accomplishments and ease of conversation allowed her to meet celebrities, including having dinner with Babe Ruth’s wife and a photo shoot with Randy Boone of the television show, The Virginian.

In 1969, Frieda married Major Grayson Davis White of Buckhead, Georgia. Together they built a life grounded in faith, love, and devotion to family and community. Following Grayson's military retirement, the couple settled in the Buckhead area of Morgan County, where they raised their daughter, Christie by the river/lake. Frieda loved motherhood and adored Christie. She was actively involved in PTO in Christie’s schools for many years. She loved taking Christie to Atlanta or the beach, NC and inviting friends or family to go with them. She loved to laugh and to find the fun in life. She also found time to help others, serving meals to those in need. She taught school for a while at Morgan County High School.

Frieda later returned to the University of Georgia, earning the postgraduate degree of Education Specialist in Special Education. Through her work as a special education teacher in the Greene County School System, she navigated the complexities of individualized education plans with patience and compassion. Her close friend Ethel worked with her.

Faith was at the center of Frieda's life. She was known for prayers that were bold, loud, heartfelt, and unwavering. She shared a close bond with her mother, Norma, and together they offered prayers that could be heard around the block, encouraging and strengthening the faith of all who knew them. Even during her later years, she eagerly joined and encouraged family prayers.

Frieda is survived by her daughter, Christie Norma-Grace White; sister, Marty Parsons Fowler (John); and Marty's daughters, Dawn Fowler-Hamilton (Jim) and Cami Fowler-Clark (Brian). She is survived by her nieces and nephews on her husband's side. This includes Snip, Ruthie. Liz and Marshall. And Kristen, Brandon and Rick(since passed).
Frieda is preceded in death by her husband, Major Grayson Davis White, and by her parents, Roy and Norma Parsons.

Frieda will be remembered for her intelligence, grace, warmth, steadfast faith, and dedication to helping others learn and grow. She loved her family and friends, both old and new. She touched countless lives. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the students she inspired, and the many people who were blessed to know her.

The family would like to thank those that cared for her with love. The family would like to extend gratitude to Pastor Robert L. Terrell, Jr., for conducting the private funeral. A private Celebration of Life was held to honor Frieda. Our hopes are to host a public memorial later this year.

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