Joni Adele White

Joni Adele White was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 2, 1955. She was the first born of Walter and Janice Stewart. The NIC Unit at the Navy Hospital where Walter worked, was her first home. She came into the world six weeks early and weighed four pounds. Joni fit in the palm of her Daddy’s hand. At six weeks, the doctor said, “Just put a finger on the scale and take her home!” And so, they did.

Joni’s first passion was ballet. She earned her toe shoes at the age of twelve. At 14, she danced in the chorus of a ballet at the Civic Theater in San Diego, California. The lead dancer was Rudolph Nureyev, the greatest ballet dancer of his generation.

Joni’s fingers danced too – first, on the piano. Janice, her mother, taught her. They were like two peas in a pod. They treasured playing piano duets together. In high school, Joni played the flute, was in the Poway High Marching Band, and a member of the twirling flag team. Joni weaved melodies that resonated with anyone fortunate enough to listen. Music was Joni’s solace, and the vessel for expressing her emotions.

Joni jumped into her first career upon graduating from high school in 1973. She became a cosmetologist. She was an expert at cutting thick, wavy, wiry hair because that is what her family had!

Joni married Rob DeWeese in 1974. They had two sons, Ryan and Troy. The family moved from California to Virginia. There, Joni became a single parent. She started her second career in bookkeeping and accounting. Joni poured her passion for dance into competing in, and teaching country western dance. Her nimble feet graced many dance floors, leaving an indelible mark on those who twirled alongside her, including her soon to be husband, Mel. It is where they met.

Joni and Mel married in 1993 and settled down in Texas. A year later, their son Wes was born. Joni continued to dance and work. She retired from Arizona State University. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication left an indelible mark on those she worked with.

At home, Joni’s hands were busy in the kitchen and at the sewing machine. Chef Joni would pack the food and utensils she needed to treat her parents to healthy, delicious meals when she visited them in California.

Joni’s family was her heartbeat. She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, Melvin White. Together, they weathered life’s storms and celebrated its joys. He was her 24/7 care giver every step of the last four years of her battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Joni is survived by her three sons and their families: Ryan DeWees and his wife, Michelle, and children, Ben, Jack, and Olivia; Troy DeWees and his daughter, Emma; Wesley White and his son, Walter.

Joni was the eldest child of four, born within five years. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Stewart and is survived by her mother, Janice Stewart, and her siblings; Lori Quinzon, Jennie Jordan, and Scott Stewart.

The last 18 months of her life, Joni and Mel resided in the home of Mary, Mel’s Mother, in Haslet, Texas. There, Mary, and Teresa - Mel’s Sister, cared for and ministered to Joni as if she were their own. Their faith and kindness created a safe, comforting and faith deepening haven for Joni and Mel.

In the darkest chapters of Joni’s life, God, through the Holy Spirit comforted Joni with “the peace that passes understanding.” (Philippians 4:6-7). A few days before she passed, God’s love, worship songs, prayers and hymns filled her room. The song, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!" was a song that Joni was very responsive to. A soft, gentle, joy-filled, and eager smile focused on someone and/or something in the room that no one could see but her. Joni was being invited to her final home and she was ready to go!

Joni moved from earth to Heaven, March 16, 2024. On earth, her memory will echo through the halls of dance studios, resonate in the notes of her piano, and live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.