Birth date: Oct 12, 1924 Death date: Dec 9, 2022
Anne Douglass White. Native Nashvillian born 10/12/1924, died 12/09/2022. A lifelong positive influence on so many people in so many ways! She was the adored only child of Anne Kissling White and Edward Douglass White, and she was Read Obituary
My condolences to Miss White's family and many, many friends. She was, perhaps, the most influential of my teachers, not only for me, but also my family. Miss White was my debate coach (1957 - 1960) as well as my brother's debate coach a few years later and my oldest son's coach even later. We learned a lot of useful life skills from Miss White in our forensic activities, and the three of us value that experience very highly. She is one of our heroes!
Bill Tankersley
Miss White was my inspiration and my mentor. She was my math teacher for Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry at Overton High School, and she fostered my love for math. However, it was her persistence that I join forensics that really had the most impact on my life. She saw potential in me that I did not see in myself. She had been trying to get me to join since freshman year, but I kept telling her that I could not do that. Finally, one day in class at the beginning of my junior year, she walked over to my desk, placed a cutting for declamation on my desk, and said to me with her left eye brow raised as she did when she really meant business, "Memorize this piece because you are going to perform it in two weeks." She turned her back and walked away. I was just afraid enough of her to understand that I had to comply this time. No way out! That moment changed my life. Her confidence in me and her coaching helped to improve my self confidence and my willingness to take positive risks in college. When Brentwood High School opened in 1982 and I moved from Northside Junior High to Brentwood to teach 9th grade English, I called her and asked if she thought I could start a forensics program at Brentwood as no Williamson County public school had a program at that time. She answered, "Of course you can! And I will help you." Due to her encouragement and sage advice, I am still coaching the forensics team at Brentwood High and still using her coaching strategies and even some of her exact words--and of course, the eyebrow trick! I'm glad that Bonnie Shields Barker and I had a chance to visit her this past June. I loved her and will miss her!
I was fortunate to be in Miss White's Algebra II class at Overton High School. She was an excellent teacher who truly cared about students. I was also a member for the Forensic Club which she sponsored. Miss White gave many hours of her own time to that group. She was a great influence in the lives of countless students.
Ms. White was such a wonderful influence for me as a young man in the Metro Forensics League. She and the now late Mrs. Trusty were both so wonderful at teaching us the fine art of debate and expository speaking. Rest well, Ms. White, and thank you for your dedication to young people like me.
