SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

The People's National Party (PNP), the parish of Clarendon, especially the community of Spaldings, the Spaldings Primary School, family and members of the Adventist Church in that community are now in mourning following the death of Jean White.

Mrs. White, who was elected councillor in the 2003 Local Government election, defeating the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) Shawn Thompson, passed away on her way to Rome yesterday morning. Mrs. White was on her way to an operation after a short fight with cancer.

At the time of her passing she was vice-principal at the Spaldings Primary School, and was expected to serve during this academic year as acting principal. She was also the teacher in charge of cultural activities at the school and was known for her writing skills, especially when it came to plays, poems and stories.

She served as president of the Spaldings Citizens' Association at one time, and was an active community member and church woman.

Sudden passing

In response to her death, Spaldings Primary's principal, Ruth Brown, told The Gleaner Mrs. White, was ill for a short while and that her passing had come suddenly.

Mrs. Brown said the late teacher would be sadly missed, especially when it came to preparing students for the annual Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) activities.

According to Mrs. Brown, Spaldings Primary, under the leadership of Mrs. White, performed well at JCDC events, and that the institution was able tocop several medals over the years.

Mrs. White has been at the school for over 27 years.

"It's really a shock to our system to hear of her passing. The last time I spoke to her was on Monday. Everybody is just in total shock and it is really a great blow for us," said Mrs. Brown.

She pointed out that the late teacher, who served as vice-principal for over two years, had done much for the school.

Chairman of the school board, Spaldings businessman Valenton Wint, in expressing sadness at the passing of Mrs. White, said she was known for going the extra mile to ensure all her students did well.

"She has written several poems and songs. She is like a Louise Bennett to us at the school. She has been a mother for the community of Spaldings, she was a reliable political activist for the PNP, and so it is really a telling blow to the parish of Clarendon. We have lost a valuable woman in this parish," said Mr. Wint.

Meanwhile, councillor for the Ritchies division and close friend of Mrs. White, Elvris Marshall, said his colleague will be sadly missed.

"She was a mother and a good friend of the council on both sides, and she was a hard- working woman who will long be remembered," said Mr. Marshall.

Jean White replaced long- serving councillor for the Spaldings division, former Mayor of May Pen Minnie Clarke, who retired from representational politics in 2002.