Monique White

Monique Gemma White, lovingly known as “Mona,” departed this life on July 15, 2025. She was born on August 19, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Lillian (Holmes) Anderson and the late Matthew White, Sr. She was lovingly raised by her mother and her stepfather, the late Bill Anderson, who also preceded her in death.

Monique was a quiet force of wisdom, compassion, and resilience. Her life was one of deep faith, service to others, and heartfelt generosity. A gifted student, she began her education at Lincoln Elementary in Dixon, IL, and graduated with honors from Bonner Springs High School in 1979. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, graduating cum laude in 1983 as a proud member of Phi Beta Kappa. That same year, she became certified by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and later achieved the distinction of Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN), serving in that specialty from 1983 to 2010.

Monique’s nursing career was both wide-ranging and impactful. She specialized in renal care and touched countless lives with her knowledge and compassion. Her work took her from the Midwest to San Francisco, CA, for two years and later to Greensboro, NC, where she lived for eight years.

She ultimately returned home to Overland Park, KS, to be closer to family and continued working in various healthcare settings until her career concluded in 2010. Among her many professional accomplishments, Monique was awarded the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award at St. Luke’s Hospital in 1988. She also spoke at professional conferences and actively participated in nursing organizations, striving to uplift her peers and advocate for better care.

Though that chapter ended, she never stopped giving.

Monique joined Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in 2007, under the leadership of Pastor Ricky D. Turner. As a devoted Mission Sister, she joyfully served in several ministries, including the Nurses Corps Ministry, Christmas Cheer Ministry, Culinary Ministry, Oak Ridge Youth Development School, and Vacation Bible School. She also led two teams of members at the City of Hope Food Kitchen.

To those who knew her best, it was clear that she found joy in life’s simple pleasures: shopping trips to Talbots, meals at Olive Garden, reading good books from the library or Barnes & Noble, and gathering with friends and family. As a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, she could be counted on for spirited game-day conversations. She had a beautiful way of showing love through thoughtful gestures, often sending greeting cards or arriving with a gift in hand to acknowledge a birthday, holiday, or simply “just because.”

Monique was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian Anderson and Matthew White, Sr.; her stepfather, Bill Anderson; her Aunt Alma; her beloved grandmother, Arela Victrum; and her dear friend, Tony Ellis.

She leaves to cherish her memory two loving brothers, Matthew “Clyde” White and Allan (Leslie) Anderson; beloved nephews Derek (Yasmin) Anderson and Dominic (Shayna) White; a cherished niece, Chasity (Viny) Varnado; six great-nieces, three great-nephews, one precious great-grandniece; a small circle of childhood friends; and her church family at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.

Though she had no children of her own, Monique embraced many as family and her presence lives on in those she loved and served. Her passing leaves a quiet space in our hearts, but we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with those who went before her. She lived with purpose, served with grace, and loved with her whole heart.

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